BoxRec, which rates and holds records for boxers worldwide, has ranked South Africa-based Malawian female boxer Ellen ‘The Tigress’ Simwaka as number one on the continent in women’s bantamweight category among 28 active boxers.
The 32-year-old has also been rated 21st out of 243 in the world.
The rankings’ list has Zimbabwean Monica Mkandla as the continent’s second best and 26th globally while Ugandan Catherine Nanziri is third on the continent and 28th in the world.
Danish boxer Dina Thorslund rules the world in that weight category.
Simwaka, whose record shows 13 wins, seven losses and two draws, said in an interview yesterday that she felt humbled by the rankings.
“I am so proud of myself and I don’t take it for granted, it is a big motivation. I am grateful for being ranked number one because I deserve it and I worked hard for it,” said the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba has since described the 27-year-old’s achievement as good news to the country.
“It is encouraging to see a female boxer doing well on the international scene. Such a feat is not easy to achieve,” he said.
“I urge other boxers, both male and female, to work hard in the gym and improve their ratings because it is such things that attract high-profile fights, resulting in making good monies.”
Fellow celebrated South Africa-based boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba said he is not surprised that Simwaka has been ranked top in her category.
“She gives her all. Ellen is a hardworker and a monster in the ring who is destined for greatness. It is unfortunate that she doesn’t secure many bouts,” said the former super middleweight world champion.
In her last bout last October, Simwaka beat Tanzanian opponent Jesca Mfinanga on points in the eight-round non-title fight.
In August 2023, Simwaka had a go at the IBO world super bantamweight title when she faced defending champions Mea Motu of New Zealand, but the Malawian lost with a lopsided decision in Auckland.
According to The Herald newspaper of Zimbabwe, Simwaka is expected to face Zimbabwean Kudakwashe ‘Take Money’ Chiwandire in World Boxing Council (WBC) Africa title bout on March 29 in Harare.
However, the Malawian boxer yesterday said “I don’t think it will happen because her [Chiwandire’s] team is quiet”.
She said: “Of course, we signed a contract, but ever since, there has been no further communication. Those are some of the frustrations I go through in boxing.”
