It’s going down on December 2nd at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya. World Boxing Council (WBC) super-bantamweight title Fatuma Zarika will defend her title versus former champion Catherine Phiri of Zambia in what could be a candidate for Fight of the Year.
The 10-round contest will headline the MAC SERIES (Making A Champ) on TV T.I.B.I. and FITE TV.
Zarika manager E. Jay Mathews, president of U.S.-based Bigger Than Life Entertainment, brought Zarika to Las Vegas in order to secure the best preparation possible for what is expected to be a grueling battle versus Phiri. Zarika has been working with trainer James “Chui” Hurley over the past two months.
“Zarika has been training three times a day, running in the morning and doing weights in the evening,” Mathews said. “Her defense is much better and she is stronger than when she won the title over a year ago. Her accuracy has improved greatly.”
Zarika became the first Kenyan to hold a WBC world title in October 2016 when she won a ten-round split decision over incumbent Alicia Ashley of Jamaica.
Zarika was scheduled to make a mandatory versus Ashley but Phiri replaced her when Ashley promoter Don Elbaum failed to pay Zarika her purse.
“We are calling on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers not only to push their boxer to victory but also celebrate women’s boxing in Africa,” Mathews said. “It’s good that WBC has accorded Zarika her dream title defense in Kenya.”
Speaking from Las Vegas, 31-year-old Zarika said her speed and footwork has greatly improved under coach Chui.
“I have benefited a lot from the facilities here,” she said. “It’s the best camp I have ever attended. Phiri will be in for a great fight.”
In the co-feature, James Onyango battles with Said Mundi in a 12-round WBF Welterweight Title Fight. bout. The MAC series gates open at 6pm with the first bout at 7pm. Heavyweight Carl Davis Jr. (USA) is set bout Mussa Ajibu, and Olympian boxer Rayton Okwiri will face Vs Joseph Sinkala.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Bigger Than Life Entertainment and TMC Sports Promotions, are priced at 200ksh, 500ksh, 1000ksh, 2500ksh, 5500ksh and 8000ksh and are on sale now.
Tickets are available at www.ticketsasa.com and www.mi-ticket.co.ke and at the gate as well.
