Zarika warns Omari ahead of her WBF title defence

Fatuma 'Iron Fist' Zarika  spars with coach Marvin Obuya at Broadwalk Mall in Parklands, Nairobi ahead of her title defence on Friday.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

All roads will lead to the Broadwalk Mall along Ojijo Road in Parklands, Nairobi on Friday for the high-octane fight night, dubbed the Betika Ultra Fight Series Boxing.

The nine bouts card, promoted by Maurice Odera of Ultra Fight Series Boxing, will see Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika defend her title against Tanzanian namesake Fatuma Omari.

Zarika has told Omari to prepare for hail and brimstone in the ten round World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Super Featherweight title which will be the main slug for the night.

"Boxing is not words, boxing is action, which you will see in the ring," Zarika told Omari at a press conference in Nairobi yesterday.

"The new tactics I have mastered will be unleashed in the ring, Omari will know why I'm the mother of boxing in Kenya.”

In reply, soft-spoken Omari told Zarika that this time round she has met her waterloo, adding that the two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) World Super Bantam champion will have nowhere to hide in the tight ring.

Another mouthwatering title bout in the adrenaline filled night will pit Kenya's Albert Kimario against Grey Chimkwapulo of Malawi.

The two will contest the vacant World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title which the Kenyan has insisted will remain at home, by force by fire.

"This is my second stab at a title fight and I'm raring to go, the first one, an International Boxing Foundation belt, I was painfully denied in Uganda," stated Kimario who has been upping his training at Pal Pal Gym under coach Julius Odhiambo.

Albert Kimario (in white)  spars with coach Marvin Obuya at Broadwalk Mall in Parklands, Nairobi ahead of his title fight on Friday.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

"This one is now at home and I'm giving it my all, I'm winning this belt, I predict that it will still be a clean sheet in my records (10 fights, 9wins, 1 draw).

"I'm telling my fans to be prompt with their arrivals since mapema ndio best (I'll finish the job early)," Kimario added.

While dismissing Kimario as hot air, Chimkwapulo told his opponent to prepare for a rough ride in the ring since he has not come to Kenya for neither a holiday nor an entertainment, but to clinch the belt.

Gaming firm Betika is supporting the bouts to a tune of Sh4.5 million which will cater for logistics and prize money.

"We have made a commitment to support boxing in Kenya and Africa and we are glad that the boxers have prepared well and ready for the fights.

"It will not be words but action that we are waiting in the ring," Betika’s Deputy Managing Director and Group Chief Finance Officer Mutava Mutua underlined.

While hailing the leading gaming firm for the immense support ahead of the bouts, Odera said it's not easy to get sponsorship at this tough economic period.

"We appreciate the kind gesture that has been extended to us, the funds from Betika has enabled us to include even two women fights in the action packed card that will be such a joy to watch, I can confidently say the matchups will give Kenyan boxing fans a run for their money," Odera highlighted.

Deputy Managing Director at Betika Mutua Mutava (center) handover a dummy cheque worth WBC female super-bantam weight Fatuma Zarika, KPBC Chairman Reuben Ndolo,  and WBF Fatuma yazidu ahead of the Ultra fight series boxing to be held on Friday. Oct 26, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) who have sanctioned the fights thanked Ultra Fight Series Boxing for being disciplined and orderly in organising their competitions, urging other promoters to learn from the stable.

"We are ready to work with such bodies that give Kenyans master class boxing.

"I also urge the Kenyan government to recognise Zarika for her role in bringing two WBC world titles to the nation," KPBC president Reuben Ndolo stated.

The fight tickets are available online at ticketsasa.com. General tickets go for Sh1000 in advance and Sh1500 at the gates while ringside VIP tickets go for Sh3500 in advance and Sh4500 at the gates.