Fatuma Zarika during a training session/FATUMAZARIKANairobi is set for a night of electrifying boxing as Kenyan stars Rayton Okwiri and Fatuma Zarika headline the highly anticipated “Nightmare in Nairobi” at Masshouse Arena, Ngong Racecourse, this Friday.
Promoted by Kalakoda in partnership with the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC), the event signals the resurgence of Kenyan boxing, showcasing both established fighters and emerging talent.
Zarika, Kenya’s first WBC female champion, returns to the ring to face Tanzania’s Halima Vunjabei.
Speaking at a press conference in Hurlingham, she said, “I don’t know much about my opponent, but I’ve heard she is a good fighter. I’ll use my experience to win the bout. I’ve prepared fully. I thank the promoters for providing this platform.”
In the middleweight division, Okwiri faces Uganda’s Muhamad Sebyala.
“I have trained like a man possessed. My conditioning is at another level. Sebyala talks a lot, but on Friday, he will learn the difference between talking big and being hit big. I am not touching gloves. If he survives the first three rounds, give him credit. But he is not beating me here, not in Nairobi,” Okwiri declared.
The card features other exciting contests, including Brahim Ouma against Robert Agengo in the heavyweight division, Joshua Wasajja versus Shabani Zungu in the super-bantamweight, Lucien Musabi against Jamie Divine in lightweight and Leftan Lucas Dube facing Omary Mulenga in super-lightweight, promising a full night of action for fight fans.
KPBC chairman Ruben Ndolo, recently re-elected president of the Commonwealth Boxing Council, said he is committed to advancing Kenyan boxing.
“I’m committed to fostering a supportive environment where boxers can thrive—both in the ring and in their professional careers,” he said.
Ndolo highlighted partnerships with British promoters and Kalakoda Promotions’ Young Lions development circuit, which will stage 48 shows a year, giving young fighters the experience needed to progress professionally.
“Opportunities are expanding for our youth, and Kenyan boxing is ready to rise again,” Ndolo added, signalling a renewed focus on talent development and international exposure for the sport.
