Zarika retains WBF title as Kimario wins WABA, PST crowns

Fatuma Zarika celebrates being crowned with WBF Featherweight world tItle after win against Fatuma Omari of Tanzania. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Thrills and spills filled the air as Kenya's Fatuma 'Iron Fist'  Zarika and Albert Kimario won their titles at the Betika Ultra Fight Series Boxing staged in Nairobi on Friday night.

The nine bouts card, promoted by Maurice Odera of Ultra Fight Series Boxing, lived up to their billing as the Kenyans pounded their opponents to glory.

Zarika successfully retained her World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Super Featherweight title after flooring Fatuma Omari of Tanzania in a one sided show.

Zarika made mince meat of the Tanzanian to win the clash on Technical Knock Out in the fourth round of the ten round duel.

"Thanks to the fans who turned up in large numbers to fill this hall, your presence inspired me.

"I want to thank sponsors Betika, Ultra Fight Series Boxing promoter Maurice Odera and the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) for helping me to establish a conducive environment to prepare for the fight," Zarika told Standard Sports.

Omari said her dream had come true in the night as she had always longed to fight Zarika who was her childhood role model.

"Tonight I'm a happy woman since one of my bucket list which was to fight Zarika has come true,"Omari stated.

Likewise, Kimario is the new World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title holder after overcoming 

Grey Chimkwapulo of Malawi 98-92, 100-90, 100-90 in the ten round fight.

Albert Kimario celebrates winning the WABA International Super Bantam weight title against Grey Chimkwapulo of Malawi. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

In addition, the winner of the tie was awarded the Pugilist Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) belt.

"It was a good fight, the sport won tonight, I just want a rematch with  Kimario, he was a worthy opponent, I want to challenge him again," Chimkwapulo said.

On the other hand, Kimario said he is not interested in a rematch as he is now focused to fight other better boxers elsewhere.

"I thank sponsors Betika and Ultra Fight Series Boxing for supporting me to contest the belts at home.

"Of course not forgetting my fans who pushed me beyond my limit to attain the victories," Kimario stated.

Visiting WBF President Howard Goldberg, who graced the occasion, hailed the promoter and the sponsors for giving Kenyans a run for their money in the sport.

"These were world class bouts. These are the kind of matches that raise a country's stake in the game," Goldberg stated.

His sentiments were echoed by the KPBC who sanctioned the fights.

"We urge all promoters in the country to emulate what Odera and Betika has done tonight.

"The efforts they are putting in place have returned fans back to the game as the hall was tonight full to the brim," KPBC President Reuben Ndolo underlined.

Betika’s Deputy Managing Director and Group Chief Finance Officer Mutava Mutua explained that it's not words but actions that are needed in the Kenyan  boxing scene.

"To the fans, I can say we are in this together, we will continue to bring you these kind of revetting actions as we aim to take the game to a whole new level," Mutua stated.

On his side,  Odera pledged to give Kenyans more quality fights.

He challenged more corporate to come on board into the game saying: "I want to thank Them Mburus, Imani Flowers, KPBC, the 

Ultra Fight Series Boxing fraternity, Betika, WABA and the WBF for total support that ensured we delivered adrenaline filled  works class  bouts."

The Betika Ultra Fight Series Boxing fight card full results

Title Fights

1.WBF Super Featherweight World title, 10 rounds

Fatuma Zarika of Kenya won on TKO fourth round against Fatuma Omari of Tanzania.

2.WABA Intercontinental  Super Bantamweight/Pugilists Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) titles, 10 rounds

Albert Kimario of Kenya won 98-92, 100-90, 100-90 against Grey Chimkwapulo of Malawi.

 

Non Title Fights

3.Welter Weight, 6 rounds

George Onyango of Kenya won on TKO second round against Isaac Mushi of Tanzania.

4.Cruiser weight, 6 rounds

Joshua Wasike of Kenya won 60-54, 58-54, 58-54 against Ignatius Onyango of Uganda.

5.Lightweight, 6 rounds

Gabriel Ochieng of Kenya won 58-56, 60-55, 55-59 against Nick Otieno of Kenya.

6.Super Bantamweight, 6 rounds

Nicholine Achieng of Kenya won on TKO first round against Valentina Aciro of Uganda.

7.Super Flyweight, 6  round 

Wilson Olumbe of Kenya won on TKO second round against Davis Ariiho of Uganda.

8.Welterweight, 4 round

Bob Turyatemba of Uganda won 40-35, 40-36,40-35 against  Dennis Otieno of Kenya.

9.Light Welterweight, 4 rounds

John Juma of Kenya won 39-35, 37-38, 39-36 against Douglas Kalule of Uganda.