Fatuma Zarika in training. She floored Catherin Phiri of Zambia to retain her WBC title. [Photo/Kenyanstar]
Fatuma Zarika floored Zambian Catherine Phiri to retain the World Boxing Council (WBC) world Bantamweight belt.
The match, which was staged at the Carnivore grounds on Saturday night, was a spectacular show, with Zarika underlining her status as the best female boxer the country ever produced.
Zarika won by unanimous points decision, with Judges John Shipanuka (Zambia), Michael Neequaye (Ghana) and Steve "Vedo" Okumu giving Zarika the win.
Zarika scored 97-92, 98-95 and 99-92 from the three judges, defending her title that she won last year after beating Jamaican Alicia Ashley in the USA.
What slowed Zarika was the cut she sustained in the fifth and sixth rounds respective but still waded off Phiri's challenge with ease.
"I knew I was leading and could have still won the bout if it was stopped any time if the bleeding from the cuts persisted," said the 35-year-old Zarika as quoted by the Nation.
"I dedicate this belt to fellow Kenyans and my family for their support. The fans were amazing and thanks to them for turning out in numbers to cheer me," added Zarika.
Phiri challenged Zarika to a re-match, saying she accepted the defeat.
“I expected a tough bout since Zarika was strong. It was bound to be a cracker facing a champion in her backyard,” said Phiri.
“I gave it a good shot but it could have been better if I didn't take a slow start. I hope I will be considered Zarika's first challenger in her next defense,”