Zarika 'Feeling Great' Ahead Of Mercado Title Fight

NAIROBI, Kenya- World Boxing Council (WBC) world super-bantamweight champion Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika declared she is feeling great as she continues to train in preparation for her title defence on September 8.

Zarika will square up against Puerto Rican Yamileth Mercado at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

Zarika has been on her maiden trip to the United Kingdom (UK) for the last three weeks in partnership with leading bookmakers SportPesa.

She made history in 2016, becoming the first Kenyan to win a world title when she dethroned Jamaican Alicia Ashley in Flint, Michigan. Zarika won the fight via split decision before defending the title last December against Catherine Phiri of Zambia.

"The UK is a beautiful place, it’s way more than I had imagined and the weather is great too,” Zarika told SportPesa News.

"The training I have been doing is the most intense I have undergone in my career and I am confident that it will pay off come September," she continued.

In addition to training under elite British coaches, Zarika was humbled to meet and spend time with the former WBC cruiserweight title holder Tony Bellew.

"Meeting Tony was such a great experience for me. He is funny, calm and very humble. He encouraged me to be the best version of myself and offered me pointers on how to improve my game ahead of the fight," Zarika explained.

Feeling great

When she defended her title at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, Zarika’s eye took a heavy hit, causing profuse bleeding but she has since undergone medical treatment in the UK and all is well according to the doctors.

"My eye wasn’t a concern for me but as per regulations I had to undergo a full physical check-up. The doctors gave me a clean bill of health and I’m feeling great ahead of the fight," the 34-year old mother of two stated.

Zarika has especially appreciated the level of training that boxers are put through in the UK and remains grateful for the opportunity to experience it first-hand.

She is set to return to the country on September 1 before taking to the ring a week later. The fight has the billing to be one of the most entertaining boxing fights that Kenya has seen in recent history.

"I'm working on my speed in the ring and my movement. I am not trying to make any changes to my boxing style, the last time I tried to it cost me.

"I have watched enough videos of my opponent (Mercado) and I am working extremely hard to ensure that I am ready to put on a great show and defend my world title," she continued.

"She is a professional boxer as well and we are both coming to fight for the same thing, so I won’t leave anything to chance on the day.

"I'm grateful to SportPesa for believing in me and giving me this rare opportunity. I urge all my fans to come and show support, I promise not to let them down," Zarika hailed.