How super Zarika out-punched Phiri to retain glamour title

Kenya’s ‘Queen of the ring’  Fatuma Zarika retained her World Boxing Council (WBC) Super bantamweight title on Saturday after out boxing Zambian Catherine Phiri at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi.

The WBC , the high-rated competition in professional boxing compared to other boxing bodies did not only attract locals but also global audience with thousands of spectators turning out to cheer the Kenyan boxing queen.

Zarika, who was honing her skills for two months in Las Vegas USA outfoxed the former World champion through a unanimous points decision of 97-92, 98-91 and 99-92 from the three international judges.

The 32 year old became the first Kenyan female boxer to win the WBC Super Bantam weight title after defeating Jamaican Alicia Ashley in Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Michigan, US on a split point decision last year.

But beneath the Saturday  heroics, Zarika showcased determination in the ring to prevail.But how did she do it?

Great resilience

Through stoicism and grace, Zarika showed great resilience, bouncing back even when instances showed that she would back out.Bloodied nose and head, jabs flying left  right and centre, Phiri was no easy opponent either but gritty, however, Zarika stood her ground!

Skills

In boxing one must have wit and in Zarika they were plenty. She took her moments to study the opponent, sizing her keenly with a watchful eyes similar to those of a hawk , and when she pounced, the blows landed on the intended target.

 Fantastic defence

For Zarika, it was not just about throwing the jabs but putting a marker on her body. She jealously guarded her face.Though some hit her so badly, at the end of the day she prevailed due to the ability to thwart the uncalled for aggression from the enemy.

WBC champ Fatuma Zarika during a training session. (PHOTO/Courtesy)
WBC champ Fatuma Zarika during a training session. (PHOTO/Courtesy)

Be as it may, the stylish orthodox boxer dominated the first three rounds of the bout with fantastic combinations of right and left hooks landing on the ex WBC bantamweight champion who was still struggling to stamp authority in the ring as the delighted spectators shouted her name Zarika, Zarika, Zarika, fueling the boxer.

However, Phiri who hardly threw in the first few rounds, either taking her time assessing the Kenyan’s abilities or perhaps thrown off by her rival’s twitchy and awkward style, came alive in the fourth round with fabulous jabs but Zarika’s vaunted defence was enough to escape the blows.

Zarika, popularly known as ‘Iron Fist’ got two cuts on her face after Phiri landed a devastating blow in her last three rounds that made the referee to call off the fight several times for the Kenyan to receive first hand treatment but that did not make her tumble on the canvas but instead braved her as a Lion.

As the rounds went by Catherine began to get sluggish, leaving openings for Fatuma to hit her again and again using her fine uppercuts.

World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika celebrates her victory against Catherine Phiri of Zambia during boxing competition organized by Bigger than life entertainment in conjuction with Kenya professional Boxing Commission at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi on December 02, 2017. Zarika won the fights on points. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.
World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika celebrates her victory against Catherine Phiri of Zambia during boxing competition organized by Bigger than life entertainment in conjuction with Kenya professional Boxing Commission at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi on December 02, 2017. Zarika won the fights on points. Photo/Stafford Ondego/Sportpicha.

The Iron Fist’s best round was the 10th, when she stunned Phiri with vicious right hand and left hands exchanges to the head, Phiri tried to finish her off but Zarika survived and once she shook off the cobwebs, the two continued their brawl on the ropes and in the centre of the ring with the Kenyan finishing the round with a flurry of lefts and rights.

The 32 years old, mother of two, extended her victory to 30, with 12 of them edging by knock outs, 12 losses and two draws.

And with that, she was the rightful Queen of the ring .Hongera Phiri!

The author is an attache at Royal Media Sports Desk and a boxing enthusiast

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Nairobi carnivore unanimous points decision How Zarika out-punched Phiri Kenya’s ‘Queen of the ring’ World Boxing Council (WBC) Super bantamweight title

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