Celebrated South Africa-based Malawian female boxer Ellen ‘The Tigress’ Simwaka is the new African International boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight champion.
She dethroned South African Sharadene Fortuin on points on Thursday in Johannesburg.
Two of the three judges scored 98-91 and 95-94 in favour of the Malawian while the other posted 95-94 in favour of Sharadene.
It was time to settle the score for Simwaka, who five years ago lost on points to Sharadene, albeit in controversial circumstances.
In an interview on Friday, the 29-year-old said she was delighted at winning the continental belt.
She said: “Apart from being a sweet revenge, I am excited to be an African champion.
“I knew it would be a tough bout and I really worked hard, as a result, everything I did worked to perfection.
“I am hopeful that this victory will improve my ranking.”
Simwaka also paid tribute to her Malawian manager Stevie Mawenzi Msiska for his support.
Following the victory, her career record stands at nine wins (seven knockouts), five losses and two draws.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said they are proud of Simwaka’s achievement.
“This just proves that she was robbed of the previous bout. Ellen has every reason to walk tall as she continues to put Malawi on the map,” he said.
Earlier in the year, Simwaka registered a fourth round technical knockout win over Gabisile Tshabalala (one minute 14 seconds).
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