International Boxing Federation (IBF) has rated South  Africa-based Malawian female boxer Ellen ‘The Tigress’ Simwaka the best on the continent in the women’s bantamweight category.

The 31-year-old is followed by South African Sharadene Fortuine with Catherine Nanziri from Uganda in third place.

A statement by the IBF says Simwaka tops her category because of her exploits last year which saw her  winning the IBF women’s international bantamweight belt twice.

“It’s important that we should also have periodical ratings for women to motivate them; hence, the move to revive the ratings,” reads part of the statement on the women’s rankings.

In an interview yesterday, ‘The Tigress’ said she was excited after being informed about the rankings.

She said: “When my manager first informed me about it, I felt like flying. I am excited because this shows that I am one of the best on the continent.

“I have sacrificed a lot to reach where I am, but the journey continues because I want to make a name on the global scene.”

Simwaka said it is not easy to remain at the top in boxing “because fortunes keep changing in this sport”.

In an interview yesterday, Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said by being rated first in her category, Simwaka has proved that she is among the best on the continent.

He said: “This is no mean feat for her because even if she had been ranked second or third, it would have still been a big achievement.

“As Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board, we are proud of her. Our prayer is that she should not feel contented, but aim even higher.

“Her target should now be to reach the top 10 in the world and then top five because the more you rise in this sport, the more money you are bound to make because a boxer is valued in accordance with his or her ratings.

“So, while this is good news, we expect a lot more from her because she has the potential to make it big on the global stage.”

Zimba also advised Simwaka to start investing her earnings.

“It might not be much, but still she can invest part of it so that when she retires, she should have somewhere to lean on. This is one area that our athletes overlook when they are at the top of their careers,” he said.

Simwaka first won the belt in May last year when she defeated Fortuin on split decision before retaining the belt in August after beating Zambian Lina Kasekwa by majority decision.

Her record stands at 12 wins, including eight technical knockouts (TKOs) six losses, two of which are TKOs and two draws. Her last bout was a 10-round non-title bout against Iranian Nastaran Fathi last month which she lost on points in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The post Simwaka tops Africa rankings first appeared on The Nation Online.