NAIROBI, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- World Boxing Council (WBC) super-bantamweight champion, Faruma Zarika, will defend her title against her Mexican challenger Yamileth Mercado on Saturday in Nairobi.
During the weigh-in on Friday, both boxers promised a good fight with each combatant exuding confidence.
"I did not come from halfway across the globe to lose. I came for the belt. I know it will be a difficult fighting so far away from home, but the challenge is surmountable," Mercado, 20, said during the post weigh-in interview.
Mercado, who weighed in at 55.5kg, said she was happy to be in Kenya, finish work and take the title home, adding that she has changed trainers twice since her last bout during the two-month training sessions with experienced former title holders.
This will be the first fight outside her native country for the young Mexican, who has won 12 fights, lost one bout and drawn none.
She was accompanied by her father who jetted into the country on Thursday night to support his daughter as she ventures into the biggest fight of her boxing career.
"I call upon my local fans, and I know I have many, alongside the Mexican community in Nairobi to turn out in large numbers and cheer me on my road to victory," she pleaded.
There will be three supporting bouts before the main event, which is anticipated to attract a full-house.
Zarika, 34, said her training in Britain helped her to sharpen her skills.
"I am ready for the challenge. I have trained well because training is like food for me which I can't do without. I know all my fans are here and I won't disappoint them," she said.
"Today is not the day to speak much because I will do my talking inside the ring tomorrow where action speaks louder than words," Zarika said.
Marina Milovanova, the WBC supervisor for the bout, said the bout will be contested in accordance with the organization's stipulated regulations. Enditem
