- Fatuma Zarika embraces the SportPesa Boxing Rising Stars initiative introduced by the leading online gaming firm, SportPesa.
- The partnership was officially launched on Thursday, January 29, with SportPesa committing a massive KSh 40 million to elevate boxing action.
- The SportPesa boxing initiative will feature nine events spread across four quarters this year.
Two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Fatuma Zarika believes SportPesa’s return to boxing is a positive move that will help revive the sport in the country and give young people a chance to properly nurture their talent.
The leading online gaming firm, SportPesa, has entered into a partnership as the main sponsor of boxing events in collaboration with Ultra Fight Series (UFS).
The partnership was officially launched on Thursday, January 29, with SportPesa committing a massive KSh 40 million to boost ring action across the country.
ALSO READ: SportPesa inject 40 million to revive Kenyan boxing in UFS partnership
The SportPesa boxing initiative, will feature nine events spread across four quarters.
Each quarter will include two smaller events spotlighting upcoming athletes, dubbed SportPesa Boxing Rising Stars, culminating in a major event titled SportPesa Boxing Night.
Fatuma Zarika embraces the SportPesa Boxing Rising Stars initiative
In an exclusive interview with SportPesa Blog, the former WBC female super-bantamweight champion said the youth and Rising Stars category is a strong initiative that will give young people purpose and keep them off the streets.
I think SportPesa coming back on board is a great move that will support upcoming boxers and youth who might otherwise be without direction.
Many young people in the country are without jobs and some turn to substance abuse or unproductive activities. This program can really help them and take them far,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Zarika, 40, added that although she may not be the one bringing world titles home herself, she hopes the effort will help propel young boxers to global stages.
I think I’m back home now, and even though I might not be the one to bring championships back, I strongly believe we are going to bring more belts home.
With SportPesa coming back on board, this is a huge milestone because they are making serious and meaningful investments. This initiative will greatly benefit any boxer who takes part,” she stated.
ALSO READ: Buyu & Juma deliver stunning knockouts as SportPesa Boxing Rising Stars debuts in Nairobi
The boxing program is already underway. The first SportPesa Boxing Rising Stars event debuted on Thursday, January 29, with ten bouts.
The card featured two headline contests: Kenyan John Juma faced Tanzania’s David Mbumba in an eight-round lightweight/welterweight bout, while Javan Buyu took on Tanzania’s Martin Shekivili in a six-round lightweight clash.
Not all events will be open to live audiences; some will be produced exclusively for streaming.
The next event, also a SportPesa Boxing Rising Stars night, is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, with another set before the first quarter’s major showcase.