Zarika ready for absorbing contest against Zambian

World Boxing Council (WBC) super-bantamweight title Fatuma Zarika’s stable in Las Vegas has urged local fans top prepare for a treat when the Kenyan defends her title on December 2 in Nairobi.

Zarika’s manager Ejay Mathews of American boxing company Bigger Than Life Entertainment said Zarika is in ‘shape of her life’ and is ready for her title defence against former WBC bantamweight champion Catherine Phiri from Zambia.

Mathews indicated that Zarika, who has been training in Las Vegas for the last two months under renowned coach James ‘Chui’ Hurley, has improved on her defence and is ready to go.

“Zarika has been training three times a day, running in the morning and doing weights in the evening,” said Mathews. “Her defence is much better and she is stronger than when she won the title over a year ago. Her accuracy has improved greatly.”

Zarika dethroned Jamaican Alicia Ashley in WBC super-bantamweight contest with a comprehensive display on October 1 last year.

Zarika’s mandatory defence against Ashley has been put on and off several times before WBC replaced the Jamaican pugilist with Phiri after the bout’s promoter, Don Elbaum, failed to pay Zarika her dues amounting to Sh350,000.

It was a historic win for Zarika, who became the first Kenyan to ever hold a WBC world title. It will be the second time Kenya is hosting women’s WBC world title after Conjestina Achieng’s.

“We are calling on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers not only to push their boxer to victory but also celebrate women’s boxing in Africa. It’s good that WBC has accorded Zarika her dream title defence in Kenya,” said Mathews.

Speaking from Las Vegas, Zarika said her speed and footwork has greatly improved under coach Chui. “I have benefited a lot from the facilities here. It’s the best camp I have ever attended. Phiri will be in for a great fight,” said the 31-year-old Zarika, who has 17 knockouts in her 29 victories, 12 losses and two draws.