Tanzania’s Halima Vunjabei and Fatuma Zarika during Thursday's weigh-in ahead of "Nightmare in Nairobi"/HANDOUTThe former WBC super bantamweight champion faces Tanzania’s Halima Vunjabei in a super featherweight headliner at the “Nightmare in Nairobi” card on Friday at Masshouse Arena, Ngong Racecourse.
Promoted by Kalakoda in partnership with the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC), the event signals a resurgence of Kenyan boxing, with Zarika leading the charge.
“I’ve been out a bit, yeah, but that just made me hungrier,” Zarika said. “Every fight I’ve had taught me something, and I’ll use all of that on Friday. Halima won’t know what hit her.”
Zarika enters with a professional record of 34 wins and 14 losses from 50 fights. Her nearly year-long hiatus has been spent sharpening technique, building endurance and studying opponents.
“I’m not coming back to just show up,” she said. “I’m coming back to demolish my opponent. Every punch, every step, every moment in that ring is on my terms.”
Her trainer, Marvin Obuya, has tailored a camp focused on timing, speed and counter-punching.
“Fatuma is sharper than she’s been in years. Halima is in for a real test from round one,” Obuya said.
“Her (Zarika) mental focus is incredible. She reads opponents and adapts mid-fight. That’s what separates champions from the rest.”
Zarika’s plan is straightforward but effective: pressure, control, and capitalise on mistakes. She intends to dominate the centre of the ring, dictate pace and force Vunjabei to react.
“Halima has power, but I’ve got defence, experience and the mental toughness to control every round,” Zarika said.
Vunjabei, younger and agile, knows she faces a veteran but is ready for the challenge.
“Facing Zarika is huge, and yeah, she’s dangerous,” Vunjabei said. “But I’m not just coming to survive—I’ve trained for this. Speed, agility, heart—that’s what I bring. Let’s see who comes out on top.”
Zarika also draws energy from the home crowd.
“Nairobi gives me power,” she said. “The fans feed every punch. Friday’s going to be a night no one forgets.”
She added, “Every scar, every setback, every lesson I’ve learned—they all come with me. Halima’s going to feel that in every punch.
Beyond personal glory, Zarika sees a bigger picture.
“Nightmare in Nairobi is about showing the strength of Kenyan boxing, inspiring young fighters, and proving women’s boxing belongs on the global stage,” she said.
“But above all, it’s about reclaiming my territory. Halima will leave that ring knowing she faced a champion who came to dominate.”
Fans can expect a tactical, high-paced bout where experience clashes with youth and agility.
“I’m ready,” Zarika said. “My team’s ready, the fans are ready, and Halima will find out what it means to face the Iron Fist.”
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!