Boxing superstar Fatuma Zarika has claimed she purposely lost the World Super Bantaweight title to Yamileth Mercado.
The two boxers renewed their rivalry on Sunday, November 17, at the Poliforo in Ciudad Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, with Zarika hoping to retain the title she won in a split-point decision back in September 2018.
However, Mercado defied all odds to dethrone Zarika via unanimous decision to become the first woman from Mexican state of Chihuahua to emerge a world champion.
Yeimi, as she is fondly known to her fans was dominant though the match, winnin by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.
But speaking after the defeat, Zarika asserted she willfully lost the bout as she cannot see any point of keeping a belt one is not able to make money from.
"Nataka kuambia mashabiki wangu hakuna mtu yeyote napatia pole, najua kitu ambacho nimefanya na siombi msamaha kwa mtu yeyote," she said.
This can loosely been translated to: "I wish to let my fans know that I have no apologies to make to anyone. I know what I have done."
In a footage seen by TUKO.co.ke, the Iron Fist further lashed out at the government for neglecting sporting stars in the country.
"Nimekaa na hiyo belt miaka nne. Na hakuna kitu mzuri ishaikuja except SportPesa. Government haitaki kushughulika, afadhali mshipi ibaki Mexico, mahali ambapo watai take care," she continued.
Roughly translated to: "For four years, I've been the holder of that title and it has brought no fortune except from Sportpesa. So it is only fair the belt stays in Mexico where its government can take good care of it," she observed.
