Esther Phiri finally returns to the ring after a one-year hiatus to defend her IBO and WIBA light welterweight crowns.
She will come face-to-face with Monalisa Sibanda who beat her 13 fights ago on October 10, 2005 in Harare.
However, the status of that last fight has been scrapped from a second round stop fight in favor of Monalisa to a no contest ahead of tonight’s bout at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
Since then, Esther has been unbeaten in 13 fights in which she has drawn one with three knockouts along the way.
It will also be the first time Esther will take to the ring in a rematch after rebuffing earlier overtures from the likes of Terri Blair against whom she fought to a bruising draw three fights ago on November 28, 2009.
Today’s fight will hopefully settle any despite as to who is the better fighter following the scrapping of the result from seven years ago.
However, it will be Monalisa who will be coming into this fight with more ring rust after having not fought since 2008 to raise a baby.
“Although I have not been fighting I have been training and I’m a good boxer, “Sibanda said at the official weigh-in in Lusaka on Thursday.
“Esther knows that, and she must be ready to surrender her belts.”
Meanwhile, the fight has not been without other controversies after being cancelled three times since July due to injury to Esther and logistical problems.
But despite that, camp Monalisa has been very patient and how much of that is a virtue for the Zimbabwean will be put to the test against Esther.
Bad reporting
what do u expect ferom Lusaka Times
After the Chipolopolo win Monalisa Sibanda chose the wrong time to Challege Esther who like all Zambians is under high levels of blessings and Euphoria. Like the painting of the Same Name Esther will Pamela ba Monalisa into a Canvas ( paint material surface and name of boxing ring mats). Should have waited we shall be celebrating again. It’s too much mwe but IYEEEEE Chipolopolo :) praise be to Jesus.
Fight over-shadowed by AFCON cup win… so depressing mwee!
@ Nostradamus wait until the result of the figh, Esther already won Zambian hearts, wait until we know the result and we shall hoist our sister in the air :) viva Esther.