Blossoming South Africa-based female boxer Ellen ‘Tigress’ Simwaka could become Malawi’s first world boxing champion.
The 22-year-old pugilist has secured a World Boxing Federation (WBF) bantamweight 10-round world title bout against South African reigning champion Bukiwe Nonina on August 11 in Johannesburg.
Simwaka became eligible for the belt after winning the WBF international title bout against another South African Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe in Johannesburg last month.
“I have challenged Bukiwe for a world title shot. She is considered one of the best female boxers here in South Africa.
“I want to realise my dream of becoming a world champion. After winning the international belt, the next step was to have a go at the world title,” she said in an interview from Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Simwaka, who boasts seven wins (five KOs), three losses and two draws, said she has since stepped up her preparations for the fight.
“In fact, after winning the WBF international belt, I only rested for a few days and thereafter, it was back to business. I am training twice a day and I am enjoying it.”
Her opponent’s record stands at 12 wins (two KOs) three losses (two KOs) and a draw.
Nonina, 26, was also voted the best female boxer in South Africa last year and in 2016.
Simwaka’s recent WBF international feat came barely two weeks after fellow Malawian female boxer Anisha Bashir’s Commonwealth (British Empire) lightweight title triumph in England.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) publicist Frank Chibisa said they are excited at the prospect of Simwaka becoming a world champion.
“It underlines the strides local female boxers are making in the sport. It shows that she wants to scale greater heights and is not satisfied with just being an international champion,” he said.
