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‘Tigress’ Simwaka ready to claw

South Africa-based female boxer Ellen ‘Tigress’ Simwaka says she is set to wrestle the World Boxing Federation (WBF) bantamweight belt from South African Bukiwe Nonina this evening in Soweto, Johannesburg.

The 22-year-old became eligible for the bout after winning the WBF international title against another South African Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe in Johannesburg in June this year.

Raring to go: Simwaka

Speaking in an interview from her base on Thursday, Simwaka who boasts seven wins (5KOs), three losses and two draws, said: “My preparations have gone on well and I am ready for the bout.

“I have been looking forward to such an opportunity and I am confident.

“I have studied her [Nonina’s] tactics and worked on her strengths and weaknesses and I plan to capitalise on her weaknesses,” she said.

Simwaka said she is not in a cold sweat facing the defending champion in her backyard.

“I have fought under such environments before and for me it is about staying focused, that’s all,” she said

Nonina’s trainer Emmanuel Muthavhatshindi was quoted by capricornreview.co.za as saying they are excited and looking forward to the match-up.

“We are extremely proud of Nonina’s achievements and we are confident she will win the fight. We have been training hard day and night and we are ready to conquer the whole of Africa,” Muthavhatshindi said.

Nonina, 26, boasts 12 wins (2KOs), three losses (2KOs) and a draw.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Defector Zimba said they are hopeful that Simwaka will wrestle the belt from Nonina.

“She [Simwaka] has a big heart, no wonder the strides she has made within a short period,” he said.

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