Ellen Simwaka vows to retain IBF belt
Malawian pugilist Ellen Simwaka has promised to retain the women’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title when facing undefeated Zambian boxer Lina Kasekwa in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Simwaka told ESPN SA Boxing Talk that she was determined to achieve her mission in the 10-round bout.
“I am ready for the fight. I worked so hard to get the belt and I am prepared to defend it. I am not prepared to lose the belt to anybody but I do not underrate any boxer,” she said.
Kasekwa said she was happy to face Simwaka in the ring.
“I am happy for being given an opportunity to fight her. All I can say is that I will give her a good fight,” she said.
Both fighters are aged 25 but Simwaka has 10 wins including seven knockouts, five defeats and two draws whereas Kasekwa’s record is perfect with six wins including two knockouts.
Simwaka produced a masterclass performance to beat South Africa’s Sharadene Fortuin on split decision at Galleria Sandton’s Premium Conference on May 26 to win the belt.
Two judges scored the fight 98-91 and 95-94 for Simwaka while another judge gave it to Fortuin 95-94.
