Zarika Loses WBC Super Bantamweight Title to Mercado

Kenya’s Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika lost on a unanimous points decision against a fast Mexican Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado in Chihuahua, Mexico on Sunday.

In what has been termed as ‘sweet revenge’ Yeimi becomes the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight champ.

The jury scored 99-91, 98-92, 99-91 in Yeimi’s favour.

Zarika’s record now stands with a record of 32 wins, 13 losses and two draws while Mercado has improved her record to 13 wins and two loses from 21 bouts.

In 90 days, time will tell whether the Iron Fist will reclaim her crown in a repeat match.

Zarika, in a video posted online, lamented that she lost the match because she did not receive any assistance from the government. “(For four years, I’ve held the title and the only good thing I’ve received was help from Sportpesa. The government did not do anything, so, it’s better the belt remains in Mexico where they can take good care of it).

“Let the belt remain in Mexico since the government there values and appreciates its sportsmen and women. I feel the pain about what I have gone through when I compare with how Mercado has been treated by her government,” said Zarika