• Zarika had announced that her rematch with Phiri was to be her last
• Zarika improved her pro record 32 (10 KOs) wins, 12 loses and three draws.
World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight champion Fatima ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika is targeting two more bouts in the near future before she can say goodbye to the game of hooks and jabs.
“I want to either become a promoter or a coach to help bring up the next generation of female pugilists. There comes a time in a career when you feel you need a fresh impetus in life and that’s what I desire to do, aspire to inspire the next stars of the girls’ game,” said Zarika, 33.
Zarika made her sentiments upon racking up a unanimous decision against hard-punching Zambian Catherine Phiri to retain her WBC title for the third successive time during the SportPesa Nairobi Fight Night.
Zarika had announced that her rematch with Phiri was to be her last but beat a retreat after an epic win before an enthusiastic crowd at Kenyatta International Convention Center, which was treated to some exhilarating displays of boxing artistry.
“Let’s see if all goes well. I have now defended my title for the third time and would want to challenge for more belts like World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF). WBC is the most prestigious belt in the world but wouldn’t mind trying out the rest. It will all depends on offers that come my way, perhaps that would be the best way to sign off from the ring,” she said.
Weaving, bobbing and ducking, Zarika tormented the Zambian with heavy shots to the head. A seemingly frustrated Phiri trailed Zarika throughout the 10 rounderand appeared go for a knocked out which came a cropper. Judge 1 scored it 98-92, judge 2 had it at 99-91 and judge 3 registered 97-93.
Zarika improved her pro record 32 (10 KOs) wins, 12 loses and three draws. The Zambian dips to 16 wins and four loses.
“I knew the fight would be hard but there was a game plan for it. I did prepare much better than I did when we last fought and took to the ring with great moods. I knew she was going for a KO but also realised that her belly was herweak point and that’s where I targeted to counter her heavy shots.”
Zarika won the WBC title after seeing off Jamaican Alicia and defended it against Phiri, Mexican Yamileth Mercado last year and Phiri again at the weekend’s Nairobi Fight Night 2.
“There will be no more rematch with Phiri, I’m honestly done with her. I have given her a second chance and failed to utilize it. Phiri, on her part, said she respected the judges decision.”
“ I don’t know how I lost, but we had an explosive fight. This time Zarika was prepared for me unlike last time when she under-estimated my capability. All in all, I know I’m young and would want to challenge for the same belt. I have not given up. Every time I attacked, she was holding me instead and this distracted my plan,” said Phiri who was inspired by her namesake Esther Phiri, Zambia’s pioneer lady pugilist.”
The under cards didn’t provide some fireworks though and all ended with stoppages. Olympian Rayton Okiwiri stopped Tanzanian journeyman Pascal Bruno in the third round.
AFRI-BOX PROMOTIONS RESULTS
Super-lightweight: Nicholas Mwangi (Ken)lost to Idd Mkwera (Tz) -TKO 3rd round
Super lightweight: Sarah Achieng (Ken) stopped Joice Awino (Ken) -TKO 2nd round
Middleweight: Rayton Okwiri (Ken) stopped Pascal Kimaru Bruno (Tz) -TKO 3rd round
Super-welterweight: Hassan Mwakinyo (Tz)knocked out Sergio Gonzalez (Arg)-KO 3rd round
Main fight -WBC Super-bantamweight Fatuma Zarika (Ken) beat Catherine Phiri (Zambia) -98-92, 99-92 and 97-93.