• There was some good-humoured rivalry at the weigh-inwith the two boxers bantering over who kisses the canvas first.
• Both were on weight as the visitor tipped the scales at 55.0kg and Zarika at 55.5kg
Image: /ERICK BARASA
With weigh-in and pre-match formalities done and dusted, its time for Nairobi Fight Night pugilists to tread punches.
Gates at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) open at 4pm gearing to serve great moments ahead of four undercards and a WBC title fight promoted by Afri-Box Promotions and sanctioned by Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC).
During the weigh-in ceremony at a Nairobi hotel, WBC super bantamweight champion Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika and her Zambian challenger, Catherine Phiri, traded verbal jabs as the countdown for the prestigious bout gathered momentum.
There was some good-humoured rivalry at the weigh-inwith the two boxers bantering over who kisses the canvas first.
Both were on weight as the visitor tipped the scales at 55.0kg and Zarika at 55.5kg.
Phiri who will be rematching with Zarika after losing in Nairobi said she has unfinished business in Nairobi.
Zarika will be hoping for a repeat of the December 2, 2017 title contest at the Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi where she carried the day in an explosive fight.
Since then, Zarika went on to deliver a successful defence beating visiting Mexican Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado in a split points decision on September 8 last year. Phiri has had three fights, winning all since then. Phiri, who once held the WBC World bantamweight title where she defended it once before losing it.
She racked up a technical knock-out victory against Kenya’s Rukia Nasirite on December 30, 2017 before knocking out Halima Yazidu from Tanzania on April 28 last year.
Zarika on the other hand defeated Yamileth ‘Yeimi’ Mercado in a split point decision on September 8 last year, Phiri has had three fights, winning all since then.
“The last time I came here I said it would be fire for fire, but lost. This time round I have replenished my armory and it’s nuclear for nuclear. Don’t be late for the fight, come early to see what happens to my opponent,” bantered Phiri.
Zarika replied: “I wish to thank my fans and sponsor Sportpesa for their unswerving support. This is not the time to be playing lip service, come to KICC and see her suffer. I’m not the type to talk too much, let’s go do it in the ring,” said Zarika.
The Nairobi Fight Night to beamed live in all major local TV stations and SuperSport and will be officiated by former South African pro, Thabo Spampool, and judged by Michael Neeguaye of Ghana, Fillemon Mweya of Namibia and Irene Semakula of Uganda.
The WBC title defence will also featuresuper welterweight Hassan Mwakinyo of Tanzania against Sergio Gonzalez of Argentina in an eight-round non-title bout.
Mwakinyo said: “I urge all Kenyans to come and support me for the fight, I promise to give it my best shot.” The Argentine said: “I’m happy to be in Africa and promise to put up a good show.”
Sportpesa Chief Marketing Officer Kevin Twisa urged spectators to turn up in large numbers in anticipation of some vibrant entertainment. “Its an opportunity to not only fight in Kenya but to also to be seen by millions more on live television coverage.”
AFRI-BOX PROMOTIONS FIGHT CARD
Super lightweight: Nicholas Mwangi (Ken)Vs Idd Mkwera (Tz) -6 rounds
Super lightweight: Sarah Achieng (Ken) Vs Joice Awino (Ken) -6 rounds
Middleweight: Rayton Okwiri (Ken) Vs Pascal Kimaru Bruno (Tz) -8 rounds
Super welterweight: Hassan Mwakinyo (Tz)Vs Sergio Gonzalez (Arg)- 8 rounds
Main fight -WBC Super-bantamweight Fatuma Zarika (Ken) Vs Catherine Phiri (Zambia) -10 rounds