'I Will Make Short Work Of Mercado' Returning Zarika Vows
1st September 2018
Celebrated Kenyan WBC champion returns home from the UK to a rousing VIP welcome
- Despite the threat posed by the quick punching Mexican who has lost only a single fight in her career, Zarika underlined her intention to try and finish off her challenger via technical knockout
- British champion, Tony Bellew, the former WBC cruiser and lightweight men's titleholder, was among the top boxers from the land of the Queen who shared training with the Kenyan champion
- Zarika’s return disrupted the serenity at JKIA after the boxer received a heroic welcome, coming home to cheers when she emerged from the international arrivals Terminal One E
- SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia FC fan number one, Jared Otieno aka Jaro Soja and his trusted motorbike decked in the club’s colours was also part of the welcoming crowd
NAIROBI, Kenya- If you come in late, you might miss it for World Boxing Council (WBC) Women Super Bantamweight champion, Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika has pledged to put Yamileth ‘Yiemi’ Mercado of Mexico to bed early when she puts her title on the line in Nairobi on September 8.
Speaking after landing from the United Kingdom on Saturday afternoon to pomp, colour and flair at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the celebrated Kenyan female boxer did not mince her words when she warned her rival to expect no mercy at the Kenyatta International Convection Centre (KICC).
"I’m ready for her. I have promised not to let my fans down. Let them turn up in large numbers to witness history being written on this day,” charged Zarika amid the song and dance that marked her return home from a two-month training stint.
Despite the threat posed by the quick punching Mexican who has lost only a single fight in her career, Zarika underlined her intention to try and finish off her challenger via technical knockout when they trade punches.
"I had priceless opportunity to spar with some of England’s finest boxers, including their legends and veterans, who imparted me with skills and experience.
"Right now, my speed and pad work has improved, I think I’m ready to take Mercado head-on,” Zarika told of her experience in the UK where she readied for the biggest fight of the year on Kenyan soil this year courtesy of her partnership with leading bookmakers, SportPesa.
British champion, Tony Bellew, the former WBC cruiser and lightweight men's titleholder, was among the top boxers from the land of the Queen who shared training with the Kenyan champion.
Having never seen Mercado fight in the flesh, Zarika spent time in Liverpool studying most of the Mexican’s tactics on online video sharing network, YouTube and managed to pick off some chinks in her armour.
"From the clips, I have come up with a game plan. This should help me to finish the contest in early rounds,” Zarika stressed.
Passionate fans
She plans to ease off in her training in the week leading up to the anticipated showdown, observing home advantage will not count for much if she does not take the opportunity to defend her belt for a second time in Nairobi following victory over dangerous Zambian, Catherine Phiri last year.
"When you have the belt, the pressure is on you to perform. This burden is even doubled when you are at home in front of your passionate fans that wants you to win and you don’t want to let them down,” Zarika maintained.
Fight Promoter, Thomas Kiswili Mutua, of Afribox Promotions predicted a balanced bout in the gruelling 10-round title showdown.
"I don’t anticipate a knock-out because the boxers have had adequate training and are all in shape. Zarika has the experience and skills needed for victory while Mercado is youthful and full of energy,” Mutua weighed in.
The promoter assured there will be high level officiating as WBC has engaged international referees from South Africa, Russia, Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania to preside over the competition.
Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) Secretary General, Frankline Imbenzi said the local governing body was content with the build-up as he echoed Mutua in forecasting a keenly contested battle.
Traditional dancing
Zarika’s return disrupted the serenity at JKIA with the boxer greeted by a heroic welcome as cheers erupted when she emerged from the international arrivals Terminal One E section of the airport.
Eight year-old Miley Waria was on hand to present her with a bouquet of flowers before she proceeded to do a gig with traditional dancing troupe Utamaduni Ngomas.
"Wadonjo ka wan lang Ngomas bi wa landre (Ngoma members have arrived for the show please come we make merry),” the group sang as the toned Zarika swayed her hips.
"I’m glad to be part of this crowd. We have had the rare opportunity to welcome a champion home. I will be at the venue to give Zarika support on Saturday," Ngomas leader, Danstan Milimo remarked.
Never shy of ceremonies, SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia FC fan number one, Jared Otieno aka Jaro Soja and his trusted motorbike decked in the club’s colours was also part of the welcoming crowd.
"I urge K’Ogalo fans and Kenyans at large to turn-up at the KICC to give Zarika support. Zarika has proved that what a man can do, a woman can do better,”Jaro stressed.
Zarika left the airport in a convoy of nine vehicles complete with police outriders as she headed to the Treasure Gardens in Kilimani to watch a World International Boxing Association title fight between Everlyn Adero of Kenya against Monalisa Sibanda of Zimbabwe VIP style.
She held on to her WBC crown on December 2, 2017 in a bloody slugfest against Phiri at the Carnivore Grounds following a unanimous points decision in her favour.
Zarika won the belt after beating Alicia Ashley of United States away in Flint on October 1, 2016.