FLORENCE MWALE, Lusaka
ESTHER Phiri will face South African Sandra Almeida in the World Boxing Federation (WBF) and Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) welterweight unification title fight on March 14 in Lusaka.
This will be Esther’s first title fight after returning from a two-year retirement.
She trounced Kenya’s Evelyn Odero in a non-title fight last December in Lusaka.
Exodus Boxing Promotions manager Jonathan Chilonda said at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that Almeida is ranked eighth on the WIBA rankings.
The 32-year-old has fought 11 times – winning six, losing four and drawing once.
Chilonda said the budget is K600,000 and Zesco Limited are the main sponsors of the fight set for Government Complex in Lusaka.
He, however, could not disclose the amount Zesco have pumped in.
Chilonda named other sponsors as Mika Group of Companies, Goldman Insurance and Fairview Hotel while Young Cinemas Zambia has pledged K10,000.
And Esther’s coach Anthony Mwamba said the contract with Almeida has already been signed.
“Esther is the mother of women boxing and we are confident she will again win the unification title fight,” Mwamba said.
Seven supporting bouts are on the cards.