The Queen of the Ring is back. Fatuma "Iron Fist" Zarika, Kenya’s most decorated female boxer, has officially come out of semi-retirement, fueled by a renewed multi-million shilling partnership with gaming giant SportPesa.

Zarika’s return is not a gentle warm-up; she is diving straight into the deep end. Her camp has confirmed she is in intense training for a high-stakes bout in February 2026, targeting the Commonwealth Super Featherweight title. This fight is seen as the final stepping stone to reclaiming her cherished WBC World title.

The Corporate Muscle

SportPesa’s re-entry into boxing sponsorship marks a revival for the sport, which had slumped in their absence. CEO Ronald Karauri termed the reunion as "unfinished business." The firm has committed to funding Zarika’s training camp in the UK and hosting world-class fight nights in Nairobi, aiming to restore the city’s status as a boxing hub.

"I never lost my hunger, I just lacked the support," Zarika said during a sparring session at the Advanced Fitness Centre. "Now that the family is back together, I am coming for everything they took from me."

• The Opponent: Insiders suggest a rematch with Britain’s Kirsty Hill is on the cards, a fight that promises fireworks given their history.
• The Legacy: At 40, Zarika is fighting not just for belts but for history. She aims to prove that age is just a number in a sport unforgiving to veterans.
• The Grassroots: Part of the deal involves Zarika mentoring young female boxers in Eastlands, ensuring the assembly line of talent does not dry up.

One Last Dance

For Kenyan boxing fans, Zarika’s return is a shot of adrenaline. The "Iron Fist" was the face of Kenyan resilience, and her absence left a void. As she wraps her hands once more, the question remains: does she still have the knockout power that made her a legend? Come February, the world will know.