Boxing: Zarika to face Bulgarian Ivanova in Nairobi
Boxing
By
Ben Ahenda
| Dec 03, 2019
Former World Boxing Council super-bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika will fight Bulgarian Ilvanka Ivanova in a-non-title-fight on December 13 at Charter Hall, Nairobi.
This will be a great moment for Zarika as she seeks to stay in shape ahead of the rematch against WBC super-bantamweight champion Mexican Yamileth Mercado in March next year.
In their bout last month in Chihuahua, Mercado beat Zarika on unanimous points decision in all the three rounds.
Initially, Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) secretary general Franklin Imbenzi had said Zarika would fight either Ivanova or Serbian Sarah Murianovic in an eight-round match.
“The match will assist the Zarika gauge her skills before the rematch as we are preparing her to win back the belt from Mercado,” Imbenzi said.
READ MORE
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
AFC usher 60th anniversary celebrations in style
Man wants court to scrap mandatory retirement age of 60
How has Kenya changed in 60 years
British colonial plan to wipe out Kenyans that came a cropper
Jamhuri and sale of false hope
There is much to be hopeful for despite wasted opportunities
The non-title fight is being organized by Zaks and Solid Rocks Promotions.
Yesterday, Zarika exuded confidence saying she’s preparing to face Mercado in their rematch.
“Nitampiga sawasawa tikikutana msimu ujao. Atashangaa wakati huu (I will defeat her (Mercado) once we meet in our next match next season. It will be tough for her),” she told Standard Sports.
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.
Okwiri boasts a record of five wins and one draw.