Zarika, Vunjabei to clash in “nightmare in Nairobi” fight
Former World Boxing Council WBC world champion and winner of the World Boxing Federation WBF Featherweight title Fatuma "Iron Fist" Zarika training at Diamond Plaza Two Gymnasium on July 25, 2023. (Photo/Sportpicha)
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Former WBC Super Bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika is set to prove why she’s the ‘Iron Fist’ when she faces Tanzania’s Halima Vunjabei in a Super Featherweight clash at the highly anticipated “Nightmare in Nairobi” at Masshouse Arena, Ngong Racecourse this Friday.
Promoted by Kalakoda in partnership with the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC), the event marks a major resurgence of Kenyan boxing, blending the experience of seasoned fighters with the hunger of rising stars in ten thrilling bouts.
Zarika, returning to the ring after nearly a year, hopes to add another win to her impressive record of 34 victories and 14 losses in 50 professional fights.
“Everyone has their own approach—some boxers study their opponents, others don’t. I’m the latter. I prepare for anything the ring throws at me, and I will face Halima the way she comes at me,” Zarika said.
In another marquee matchup, Rayton Okwiri will face Uganda’s Muhamad Sebyala in an eight-round Middleweight fight.
Okwiri, making his first appearance since September 2024 in Mauritius, boasts 11 wins and only one loss, and he is determined to extend that record.
“I’ve trained like a man possessed. My conditioning is at another level. Sebyala talks a lot, but come Friday, he’ll learn the difference between talking big and being hit big. I’m not touching gloves. If he survives the first three rounds, give him credit—but he’s not beating me in Nairobi,” Okwiri declared.
Meanwhile, Joshua Wasike, who suffered his first defeat in five fights, will aim for redemption against Tanzania’s Shabani Kaoneka in the Heavyweight division.
“In my last fight, I learned a lot. This time, it’s going to feel like a walkover,” Wasike said confidently.
The card also features several exciting matchups: Brahim Ouma takes on Robert Agengo in Heavyweight, Joshua Wasajja faces Shabani Zungu in Super Bantamweight, Lucien Musabi meets Jamie Divine in Lightweight, and Leftan Lucas Dube clashes with Omary Mulenga in Super Lightweight—promising fight fans a full night of action.
KPBC chairman Ruben Ndolo, recently re-elected president of the Commonwealth Boxing Council, expressed his commitment to the growth of Kenyan boxing.
“I’m dedicated to creating an environment where boxers can thrive—both in the ring and in their professional careers,” Ndolo said.
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