Zarika Fights For Where She Comes From, Coach Hails

NAIROBI, Kenya- As far as rags to riches stories in sports go, the spectacular rise of Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika from the impoverished mean streets of Nairobi to a World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight title holder qualifies among the best of the lot.

John Gillies may not ring a bell to most Kenyans but for the last two months, the former professional kickboxing, mixed martial arts and boxing fighter has been massively involved in training Zarika ahead of her title defence against Mexican Yamileth Marcado in Nairobi.

Gillies who has over 20 years experience, arrived in Nairobi last Saturday alongside the boxer and having been up and about in the Kenyan capital, the sheer magnitude of the boxer they fondly call ‘Zee’s accomplishment is yet to sink in.

"Since we’ve arrived in Kenya, we have seen no boxing facilities and where Zee has gotten to in boxing to be a world champion is unbelievable.

"We went around Nairobi and we were told there’s no boxing gym and she’s gotten to be a world champion, it’s absolutely unbelievable," Gillies who set up the 4 Corner Combat and Fitness Gym with his partner, Joseph McNally, two years ago when he stopped professional fighting insisted.

On Saturday, Kenyans are eagerly waiting to see the product of the intensive eight-week training camp in Liverpool- the boxing heartland of England- when Zarika puts her belt on the line against the reputed young Mexican.

Good attitude

For Gillies and his stable of fighters at 4 Corner, victory for the Kenyan on Saturday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) will rank among the biggest achievement of the facility located at Nelson Business Park, Long Ln, Liverpool, Merseyside, L9 7BN.

"She’s got a very good attitude towards training, qualities in the ring; punch power, the speed, the jab, the boxing brain and a good all round game, it’s been a good camp,” the trainer added after taking the celebrated female boxer through light training on Monday.

Zarika joined the 4 Corner at the recommendation of leading bookmakers SportPesa ambassador and former British WBC Cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew, who contacted his partner McNally and requested them to take in their first African boxer.

"We had a meeting in our Liverpool offices and agreed and to be honest, I treat her as a normal fighter, not an African fighter.

"What she’s brought from her background, she’s very tough, has a good spirit and it’s been enjoyable training her, every minute,” retired heavyweight Gillies alias ‘Big John’ told.

The registered boxing manager and promoter assured Kenyans and Zarika fans around the world their favourite will leave nothing in the ring when she defends her crown for the second time following a unanimous victory over Zambia’s Catherine Phiri last December.

"Zarika is very proud of where she’s come from and she fights for where she’s from. Her attitude is great, a pleasure to work with and puts in a 100 per cent effort

"We had her sparring with men only. She’s been sparring with a man who’s probably a stone and a half heavier (approximately 10kgs), a pro boxer in England and has been involved in title fights,” the coach hailed.

"To be honest with you, there’s been a few times we’ve told Zee to step off and not put so much pressure on him since she’s been giving him a good go in the gym, she’s good in good spirit,” Gillies added.

Besides on working to whip Zarika into shape, her coaching staff also devoted considerable time to analysing her 20 year-old challenger who has an imposing record of 12-1-0.

"I’ve studied Mercado’s fight with my partner Joe who coaches with me. We’ve sat down and watched all her fights we could find and viewed every aspect of her game, so we’ve studied her and put up a plan,” he offered.

"We have a good stable of fighters adding Zee to that has been a massive bonus and our aim is coming away with the win 100 per cent and hopefully, I want to see Zee back in England and defending her title again before Christmas,” Gillies stressed.

On the wider scale the trainer contrasted the Nairobi situation with his home city Liverpool where boxing gyms have sprung up in the crime-infested poor areas of the English city.

"We have used gyms to get young kids away from crime since boxing teaches them discipline and focus and SportPesa should consider starting one in Nairobi since there is a huge market for such a facility.”