On Saturday night, Kenyan boxer and WBC super bantamweight champion Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika beat her Zambian challenger, the extremely quick Catherine Phiri to retain her title.
In the match that was a repeat of the December 2, 2017 title contest at the Carnivore Grounds, Zarika won after a 3-0 unanimous decision.
The judges, Michael Neequaye, Fillemon Mweya and Irene Semakula gave their scores as 98-92 99-91 97-93 sending Zarika’s fans into hysteria.
A huge majority of Kenyans, however, weren’t quite convinced that Zarika deserved the victory; with many questioning the impartiality of the judges.
Zarika’s recent victory over Yamelith Mercado also came under heavy criticism, with the Mexican herself coming out and declaring that she was robbed off her well deserved victory.
Here are some of the reactions to Zarika’s victory below.
Which Kenyan with a conscience believes these judges have correctly called this boxing match? Zarika lost this bout and its nonsense to flatter her a second time because this outcome was not even close. Corruption in African sport!
— Kwame Owino (@IEAKwame) March 23, 2019
Fatuma Zarika almost unrecognizable from the punches thrown by Catherine Phiri, who looks fresh-faced.
The Zambian has been robbed clean in Nairobi.#NairobiFightNight pic.twitter.com/xEmSwT3Oyk
— Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) March 23, 2019
The Zambian boxer, Phiri won the fight if y'all actually watched it….but well, Fatuma Zarika was equally good.
Anyway, Viva Kenya! #NairobiFightNight— Evans Bett (@iam_bett) March 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/ShazieKe/status/1109558584726179840?s=19
https://twitter.com/lubey01/status/1109558277355028481?s=19
Aki nimekubali, second name of Kenya is Corruption. We have just rigged Catherine Phiri of Zambia victory. Fatuma Zarika is not the winner #NairobiFightNight
— Freddie Matiba (@Fredy_matiba) March 23, 2019
Am ashamed to be Kenyan. That was pure thugury. Phiri won the fight #NairobiFightNight
— John (@Weru_Jay) March 23, 2019
Haha hizi points zinapeanwo aje lakini… Phiri amelemea Zarika from round two… Corruption everywhere lol😂😂😂
— Bruce (@AugustineBruce_) March 23, 2019
Even a two year old knows Phiri won this. Corruption is the order of the day in our country. Wizi kila mahali. Let's give credit where it's due #NairobiFightNight
— John (@Weru_Jay) March 23, 2019
Fuck these officials Phiri landed cleaner punches than Zarika anyways Kenya is corrupt so are we.
— 🇻🇨 Kuria (@OptaHos) March 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/EriqueCnyua/status/1109558668121567234?s=19
Is it victory stolen? Vile votes zako ziliibiwa since 2007?
— Hon.Erick (@ricks111183) March 23, 2019
Kimeibiwo 😂
— Beaty Kuria 🇰🇪 (@beaty_kuria) March 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/adogo_steven/status/1109560978646188034?s=19
Photos of the judges have been released #NairobiFightNight pic.twitter.com/NNemxoe0tM
— 🤷🏾♂️ (@sickolia_) March 23, 2019
#NairobiFightNight am from Kenya but I think the judges are biased. .phiri had been phenomenal
— Sakwa newton 🇰🇪 (@vjpanther) March 23, 2019
I'm a Kenyan but I just witnessed Africa's corruption first hand. Phiri beat Fatuma Zarika hands down but they decided Fatuma won by anonymous decision.#NairobiFightNight
— KABABA (@GeneralWaitish) March 23, 2019
There is no way Zarika won that fight. No way!
— Peter Nduati (@PeterNduati) March 23, 2019
Tell us your thoughts in the comments section; was Fatuma Zarika’s victory legitimate?
