• Fatuma looks to defend super bantamweight WBC title
Image: FILE
Kenya’s Fatuma Zarika will be looking to successfully defend her super bantamweight World Boxing Council (WBC) title for the third consecutive time against challenger Catherine Phiri (16-3-0, 10 KO’s) at KICC in Nairobi on March 23.
The 10-rounder, promoted by Afribox Promotions of Thomas Mutua, will be a rematch of the initial WBC title fight at Nairobi’s Carnivore where Zarika outclassed former WBC bantamweight champion Phiri from Zambia to retain her title in December 2017 at the Carnivore in Nairobi In September 2018, Zarika defended the title for the second time after defeating Mexican Yamileth Mercado on majority points in Nairobi.
This will be Zarika’s third title defence after beating Alicia Ashley for the WRC title. Promoter Mutua announced yesterday said that plans to hold the event are at an advanced stage. Mutua has urged fans to come to KICC in large numbers in anticipation of vibrant entertainment.
Last September, Zarika slugged it out at a sellout crowd at KICC against the Mexican boxer. “We are looking forward to some great action with Zarika putting her title on the line again,” said Mutua.
The card will also see Sarah Ochieng take on Joyce Owino for a six round scheduled a lightweight non-title fight. Still, on the same card, Rayton Okwiri will take on Tanzanian Pascal Bruno in a middleweight 8-rounder.
Okwiri is away in Dubai for intensive training and will be back on March 20 well in time for the bout. Nicholas Mwangi of Kenya is lined up against Idd Mkwera of Tanzania in 6 rounds super lightweight non-title fight.
Afri-Box Fight card Nicholas Mwangi Vs Idd Mkwera (6 rounds super lightweight) Sarah Achieng Vs Joice Awino (6 rounds super lightweight) Rayton Okwiri Vs Pascal Bruno (8 rounds middleweight) Fatuma Zarika Vs Catherine Phiri (10-rounds WBC championship)