Zarika WBC Title defence fight

Signs of a good day start to show in the morning. September 9, 2018 was no different. Kenya’s most prolific female boxer Fatuma Zarika was defending her World Boxing Council Super Bantamweight title on home soil in the country’s capital city, Nairobi against fierce Mexican fighter Yamileth Mercado. Sports fans started to check into the venue as early as 10 a.m and by evening when the undercards were about to kick of their matches, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre fighting dome was packed to capacity.

Never before had a boxing event in the country attracted such interest and fan base. A remarkable sight it was, making even Zarika emotional as she quickly surveyed the turnout at the fighting arena. The night ended on a high note as Zarika won the fight amid wild cheers from the massive home crowd. The event dubbed Nairobi Fight Night, will remain in the boxing books for years to come, having given a lifeline to women’s boxing and given regional boxing the much needed impetus.