Nairobi News

Sports

Here’s the online verdict on Zarika vs Phiri bout


Kenyan pugilist, Fatuma “Iron Fist” Zarika on Saturday night retained her World Boxing Council (WBC) world super bantamweight title for the third consecutive time with a unanimous points decision over Zambian challenger Catherine Phiri.

Zarika won the bout which was staged at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi after the three judges – Michael Neequaye, Fillemon Mweya and Irene Semakula – ruled the contest 98-92 99-91 97-93 in her favour

The contest, was a repeat of the December 2, 2017 title contest at the Carnivore Grounds.

But did she really win the fight?

Just like in her last fight against Mexican boxer Yamileth Mercado last September at the same venue, the outcome of Saturday night’s bout has sharply divided opinion on social media.

Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris are among the political leaders who were quick to congratulate Zarika after the fight.

But there are those who thought otherwise, including Kenyans.