This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
On March 24, 2019, Fatuma Zarika fought Catherine Phiri of Zambia for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight title in Nairobi.
Fast forward to December 13, Zarika will face Bulgarian Ilvanka Ivanova in a non-title fight at Charter Hall in Nairobi. This bout is part of Zarika's preparation for a rematch against WBC super-bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado, who defeated her on points in Chihuahua last month.
Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) secretary general Franklin Imbenzi initially announced that Zarika would face either Ivanova or Serbian Sarah Murianovic in an eight-round match. Imbenzi stated, 'The match will assist Zarika gauge her skills before the rematch as we are preparing her to win back the belt from Mercado.'
Yesterday, Zarika expressed confidence in her ability to defeat Mercado in their rematch, saying, 'I will defeat her once we meet in our next match next season. It will be tough for her.'
Meanwhile, Africa Boxing Union middleweight champion Rayton Okwiri will defend his title against Enock Musambuzi of Zimbabwe as a curtain raiser to the non-title fight on December 13.
