Yamileth Mercado Confident Ahead Of Zarika Bout

 NAIROBI, Kenya- Young Mexican boxer Yamileth Mercado arrived in the country on her maiden trip to Africa on Tuesday morning ahead of her highly anticipated boxing match at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC). 

Mercado is set to take to the ring to challenge Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika for the WBC World Super Bantamweight title on Saturday from 8pm. 

She was accompanied by two of her Mexican trainers and was met by SportPesa staff and local media at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. 

“I am extremely happy to be here. It’s my first time here and it feels fantastic. 

“The journey was very long but I’m here and that’s what matters,” the 20-year old boxer. 

This will be Mercado’s first fight outside of her native Mexico and she expressed utmost confidence as she prepares to face a more experienced boxer in Zarika. 

Biggest fight

Mercado (12-1-0) has lost only one fight and is keen on expanding her bludgeoning reputation in women’s boxing.

“I’m prepared and I expect to win. 

“Not seen much of Zarika fighting but I have trained well and I’m ready,” Mercado underlined. 

Her father is expected to jet into the country later this week to offer support to his daughter as she enters arguably the biggest fight of her embryonic boxing career. 

“My family is always very supportive of me and they are happy that I’m here for this fight. 

“My dad is coming for the fight and I’m very happy that he’ll be here to support me,” she offered. 

She faces stiff opposition from the reigning WBC World Super Bantamweight champion, Zarika, who won the title in 2016 against Jamaican Alicia Ashley. 

Zarika fought hard to beat Zambian Catherine Phiri in Nairobi last December to defend the coveted belt. 

When asked what she would want to tell her opponent, Mercado merely stated: “May the best fighter win.”