Fatuma Zarika (Right) when she beat Tanzania’s Flora Michele by knockout in the first round. [Photo/kpbc.co.ke]Kenya’s most decorated pound for pound pugilist, Fatuma Zarika, has always been that type of a boxer who fears no opponent and who stops at nothing in her quest to become one of the game’s elite superstars.Since making her debut as a boxer on October 12, 2003, the World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight women’s champion has traversed the world, picking up impressive wins or getting vital lessons whenever she suffers defeat. As she prepares for her next assignment, the 5 ft 4’ boxer, who has been in the ring for no less than 43 bouts, will be relying on the lessons she has picked in every single one of them.Zarika’s opponent
Zarika’s opponent, Zambian Catherine Phiri, holds the distinguished title of being the first African female boxer to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight gold title. Phiri, 30, has tasted more success than disappointment and holds a record of 14 wins (5 TKOs), one draw and just two defeats. The latest defeat came in early April this year when she lost her WBC title to Mexican Marian ‘Barby’ Trejo on split points decision. The only other time Phiri was floored was in May 2015 when Christina McMahon was given split points decision victory.Zarika and Phiri can both claim to be Africa’s best in their weight division. However, Zarika is never one to put her belt on the locker and let it gather dust. She enjoys measuring up against her peers and Phiri is just one of them.The Kenyan, who has 29 wins, 12 loses and a draw (29-12-1), goes into this bout as the more experienced boxer with more fights and victories under her belt. Luckily, she won’t be fighting alone. A whole nation will be rallying for her as she defends a title she has called her own since beating American Alicia Ashley on October 1, 2016 to claim her biggest price since stepping in the ring.At the end of the second, third or, if it goes the distance, final round, Kenyans who have always believed in her abilities will be celebrating.The bout will be held on December 2, 2017.We celebrate you Fatuma.As part of celebrating our sports stars like Fatuma Zarika, we are encouraging you to nominate your favorite sports people, tell us their story and let them get celebrated by a larger audience. Visit Tujimani.co.ke to learn more.