TODAY’S World Boxing Council (WBC) silver female bantamweight title defence by Zambia’s heroine Catherine Phiri against South African champion Bukiwe Nonina at the New Government Complex in Lusaka will be more about ring intelligence and generalship.

As far as the pre-fight hype goes, I’d say the two boxers have fought a verbal draw. They are also both fighting not just for the coveted title and its trappings, but to honour the departed.

Bukiwe will be fighting in memory of her compatriot Phindile Mwelase who died in October 2014 from a two-week coma after suffering a KO by Liz Butler in a fight in South Africa. And she celebrates her 23rd birthday today.

For her part, the Zambian, like her nemesis, will dedicate this fight to our late President Michael Sata, let alone the jubilee celebrations.

“I’m dedicating this fight to the late President. We have lost a father and that is why I will fight tooth and nail to defend my title, to honour him,” vowing to give Bukiwe “her worst birthday present.” It will be an emotional, intense, intriguing and enthralling contest. Such a contest requires total focus and concentration for victory.

Going into this bout, Bukiwe boasts six wins from eight fights two of them by knock out and two losses. Catherine is undefeated in nine fights, and has won four of these by knockout, including three in a row in 2013 and this year.

Her record shows she’s improving with each fight. Which way will the fight go?

Dr Mumba Jiheje, a fortune teller and numerologist of Ndola who has previously predicted almost accurately previous local bouts, sent me this message:

“The bragging of …Nonina to teach our beloved, stylish and classical boxer Catherine when they meet.is unbelievable. …Bukiwe will be flattened and knocked out in the fourth round. Bukiwe should know that Catherine is Zambia’s Floyd Mayweather Jr.”

Another text message came from one Mbewe who wrote: “To the best of my observation, if Catherine applies the same skill, i.e., speed with accuracy, left and right jabs to the jaw, blows to the head, especially on the forehead (it) will help Catherine finish off the South African in the early rounds.”

On the main supporting bill, WBC International light heavyweight champion Charles Manyuchi is also expected to keep his title he has staked against Colombian David Navarro. One of the great fighters to come out of Colombia is former world champion Edson Miranda.

Manyuchi has promised to take himself more seriously in this fight by discarding his comical, but crowd -pleasing style in which he sometimes scratches his opponent’s back with his glove before unleashing surprise vicious uppercuts.

What’s my take on Catherine-Bukiwe? When two champions meet, it’s unwise to underrate either boxer. Bukiwe must be good for her to be South African champion. Her country boasts several world champions including Hekke Budler, Ali Funeka and Thabiso Mchunu.

Though I expect Bukiwe to give Catherine a good fight, I do, however, have full confidence in Catherine’s skills-set and I believe Bukiwe may discover that she might have bitten off more than she can chew by taking this fight.

If it goes the 10 round distance, Catherine will win on points, otherwise she has the wherewithal to end it in the middle or late rounds.

On the international scene, there’s another big one tonight (tomorrow morning here). SuperSport will televise it live from 04.00 hours on channel 207 Filipino boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, is defending his WBO welterweight title against American boxer Chris Algieri in Macau.

The winner of this bout (likely Pacquiao) could face Mayweather Jr in the most anticipated fight in recent years sometime next year.

Comments: mwale.simon@yahoo.co.uk 0966 755574/ 0953744074