Kimario goes for another record at WABA title bout

Grey Chimkwapulo of Malawi (left) and Albert Kimario of Kenya (right) pose with Maurice Odera of Ultra Fight Series Boxing promoter during weigh-in at Broadwalk Mall in Parklands, Nairobi on Thursday.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Ladies and Gentlemen, the day has finally arrived for the pulsating Betika Ultra Fight Series Boxing contests to be held tonight in Nairobi.

The nine bouts card, promoted by Maurice Odera of Ultra Fight Series Boxing, will get underway at 6pm at the Broadwalk Mall along Ojijo Road in Parklands.

One of the pugilists looking to maintain a clean sheet in his impressive record is Kenya's Albert Kimario who is pitted against Grey Chimkwapulo of Malawi for the vacant World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title.

On Thursday, Kimario declared that he will knock out the Malawian and if not, will clear the fight as early as possible.

Kimario has set this target in order to better his already good looking records of total nine fights, eight wins (including four knock outs) and a draw.

"I'm currently ranked 72 in the world in Super Bantamweight, if I win this fight I will lower the ranking to around 50s.

"When the ranking has been lowered one can get quality fights, good titles and worthy opponents anywhere in the globe," Kimario told Standard Sports.

"My aim is to go for the prestigious World Boxing Council titles in the near future. So, I'm working towards that target."

Kimario has warned Chimkwapulo that he will be chasing after the winds in the ring as he has done elaborate preparations to ensure that the coveted belt remains at home.

"My promise to the fans is that I'm not going to let them down, I urge them to come much early and in good numbers to witness history being made," he stated.

Even though he says he's always fit round the clock, Kimario put up spirited training for three months ahead of this fight to perfect his style and skills.

"Apart from the training I got from my coach Julius Odhiambo, I have been doing personal ones to compound my fitness.

"Every boxer should know that they are responsible for their own fitness away from the two percent they get from their tacticians," he said.

Chimkwapulo told Kimario not to be so confident in the bout as he will be surprised by what hits him in the ring.

Main fight in the night pits two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) World Super Bantam champion Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika against her Tanzanian namesake Fatuma Omari.

The duo will slug it out in a ten round World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Super Featherweight title.

Zarika told Omari that she will know the reason she is called the mother of all boxing in Kenya.

Omari dismissed the airs by Zarika, telling the latter that she has met her match this time round.

"She will be stopped," Omari said.

Fatuma Omari of Tanzania (left), Fatuma Zarika of Kenya (right) pose with Maurice Odera of Ultra Fight Series Boxing promoter during weigh-in at Broadwalk Mall in Parklands, Nairobi on Thursday.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

The WBF president Howard Goldberg, who will preside over the bout, has commended both the Ultra Fight Series Boxing and sponsors Betika for their effort to host the prestigious belt in Kenya.

"This is my fourth visit to Kenya, I have travelled to over 60 countries and I can say Kenya has the best preparations for WBF fights.

"The country is taking boxing to a whole new level. I look forward to an exciting title fight on Friday night.

"From the matchup, it will definitely be an interesting bout because the two boxers are up to the task.

"Holding such high profile bouts will give Kenya opportunity to showcase her talents in the world stage," said Goldberg.

Kenya Professional Boxing Commission president Reuben Ndolo reiterated that the presence of WABA and WBF officials in the country gives authentication on the belts to be contested tonight.

Odera thanked Betika for supporting the bouts to a tune of Sh4.5 million which will cater for logistics and prizes.

"Availability of funds makes it easy to stage good boxing and I thank Betika for coming on board to make it happen.

"I can assure Kenyans that these nine fights will be a joy to watch. Be there by 6pm, don't miss," Odera stated.

The fight tickets are available online at ticketsasa.com. General tickets go for Sh1,000 in advance and Sh1,500 at the gates while ringside VIP tickets go for Sh3,500 in advance and Sh4,500 at the gates.