Boxing: Catherine Phiri Set For Big Test

Catherine Phiri and Leslie Domingo’s unbeaten records are on the line this evening when they clash in a WPBF Bantamweight Title fight in Lusaka.

Both title holder Phiri, 21 and her 18-year-old Philipino opponent are is unbeaten in their five professional fights.

Phiri, who has five-out-of-five wins, has a big test against a younger boxer who has stopped three of her opponents via knockouts despite the blemish of one draw.

Domingo’s trainer Delima Jeephel said he is confident his young boxers’ ‘0’ will remain intact in this 10-round bout at Government Complex in Lusaka in what will be the Pilipino boxers first fight outside her country.

“I don’t think so. From my stable she is one of my youngest and best boxers because of the training we have,” Jeephel said.

“Her sparring partners are all experience with at least 10 fights under them.

“We are a class above Africa and we have been training for almost three months.

“She also has been through the amateur ranks from regional to national too so we are very confident about or chances.”

This will also be Domingo’s first fight beyond six rounds in which she has won two first round knockouts and one in the third.

However, she comes to Zambia on the back of a career–first unanimous decision sixth round decision over her 19 year old compatriot Honey Mae Bermoy last January.

Meanwhile, Phiri, whose defensive style has served her well says she will stay faithful to her cautious approach.

Phiri added that she has also some with some lessons learnt from her grueling title winning 10-round contest against 38-year-old Canadian Natalie Forget.

“Last time it was difficult for me to fight 10 round because it was my first time go fight that distance. This time, I am ready,” Phiri said.

“It will be a big fight they are a lot of things to prove in Saturdays fight.

“She is aiming for a knockout I am ready for the 10 rounds and I am ready for her.”