Africa Boxing Union (ABU) super lightweight champion, Anisha Bashir, continued with her fine form when she won the vacant Commonwealth Female lightweight title after stopping Samantha ‘SJ’ Smith in the first-round in London, United Kingdom on Friday.
The Malawian was reportedly too fast and energetic for the aging Briton who hit the canvas barely 17 seconds into the first-round at York Hall.
Smith was able to beat the count but was subjected to a series of jabs, hooks and body punches, prompting the referee to stop the fight with 50 seconds remaining in the two-minute round.
Bashir, through a WhatsApp message, said she was delighted to win the contest.
“I followed the game-plan which I was given. I prepared well for this fight and I thank my Manager [Craig Rousseau of No Pain No Gain Boxing Promotions] and trainer [Clyde Musonda of Delta Boxing Academy] for the good preparations. I also thank my fans for their support,” she said.
Bashir, 20, has won all her fights through knockouts and her record has improved to eight straight wins with five defeats. The record of Smith, 38, has dropped to two defeats and eight wins.
Rousseau said they were now eying a world title.
“This is the first time that an African has won this belt,” he claimed. “We also recorded the fastest knockout. Our next step is the world title and we feel that she can defeat all her opponents in this division.”
South Africa-based Malawian boxing trainer, Andson Kazembe, who monitored the fight through live streaming, hailed Bashir’s performance.
“She had a purpose and she delivered very well. Congratulations on her historic win,” he said.
Bashir also stopped Kenyan, Consolata Musanga, in the ninth-round to win the ABU title last year.
Meanwhile, Bashir’s compatriot Ruth Chisale’s potential fight was cancelled under questionable circumstances.
Chisale was due to face American Layla McCarter for two vacant belts at Wildpark Stadion- Karlsrushe in Germany yesterday.
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