By SANDRA MWILA and MWANGALA LISELI –
SANDRA Almeida has vowed to knockout Esther Phiri on Friday when they clash in the World International Boxing Association (WIBA) and World International Boxing Federation (WIBF) welterweight unification title bout.

. Almeida

Almeida said she will knockout Esther in the fifth round and go back to South Africa with the belts.
The South African boxer said in an interview upon arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka yesterday that she was not intimidated by Esther’s record but was rather anxious to see who has better skill.
“I am a tough lady who loves a good challenge. I love a good fight and though I have never knocked out anyone, I am aiming to knock out Esther in the fourth or fifth round,” she said.
Almeida described Esther as a little hyena that had woken up a sleeping lion.
The 32-year-old, who was on recess for two years from the ring, said she has a record of 10 fights from which she has won five, lost four and one draw while Esther has had 18 fights, winning 16, lost and drew one.
Almeida’s coach Kenneth Okonnor said his boxer was ready for the fight and that she was going to win. He said Almeida was a strong boxer and he was not worried of losing.
Meanwhile, Exodus International Boxing Promotions (EIBP) has met its K600, 000 budget to stage the unification title fight.
This was after Varun Beverages Africa weighed in with K150, 000 worth of sponsorship to successfully stage the fight.
Group chief executive officer, Krishnan Shanka said his company was happy to be associated with the fight and pledged continued support to the development of sports in the country.
Shanka said this during a media briefing held at Best West Plus Lusaka Grand Hotel yesterday.
He described Esther as an icon, a role model and a hero because she had worked hard for her great achievements and needed to be given the support.
“When you are young, you have all of that youthful energy and sports provide an outlet for it. It teaches discipline, diligence and perseverance,” he said.
Organising committee chairperson Peter Cottan said the fight would be televised live in 48 countries on SuperSport and was proud that the budget had been met and was thankful to all the sponsors that have come on board.
Cottan promised fans a world class tournament and that he would make sure that the event is well organised.