. Phiri

By HARBGUY MWAMBAZI –
KENYAN boxer, Evelyn Odoro has confessed that Esther Phiri’s impressive home record is scaring her but she hopes to shock the Zambian pugilist tomorrow when they clash in a non-title international fight in Lusaka.
Speaking in an interview on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka on Wednesday, Odoro said despite targeting a victory in Zambia, she was a bit frightened by her opponent’s record of wins on home soil.
She, however, hopes she would be the one to spoil Esther’s home record.
“Yes, I have heard about her before, she is a good boxer, and I am a little frightened by her record of wins she has had in Zambia.  But maybe I can change that, seeing that she took a break away from boxing for quite a while. This Saturday (tomorrow) she will be able to see my Tatoo mbaya- a quick flow of punches,” she said of Esther who is returning to the ring after being in retirement since 2012.
Despite the odds against her, Odoro remained confident, saying she would to do everything possible to win the bout at Chez Ntemba VIP Club in Kabulonga tomorrow.
“I have to win, I came here to win, and she should know that I am a good boxer. I trust myself and we will just have to let the ring decide for us,” Odoro said.
Odoro’s trainer Daniel Manyonyi was full of praise for his boxer and assured the Zambian fans to be ready for a showdown.
Exodus Stables Boxing Promotions director, Anthony Mwamba said it was an honour to have the Kenyan boxer coming to Zambia to face Esther.
Mwamba urged Zambian boxing fans to turn up in numbers to witness the return of the former Women’s International Boxing Association and Women International Boxing Organisation light-welterweight champion, Esther after a two-year break.
“We want all the fans to come in large numbers and support her. She will be very much motivated by the locals, they should come and see that the ‘Killer Bee’ is back again, with a ‘bone canine punch’ from the United States”, he said.
Mwamba also clarified that Jennifer Faccio of Uruguay was the stipulated fighter to face Esther but could not travel to Zambia due to logistical challenges, and was replaced by Odoro.
Esther said she was not affected by the change of her opponent and believed she would get a much tougher fight from the Kenyan.
The fight will take place tomorrow at Chez Ntemba VIP Lounge in Kabulonga.