Esther Phiri Defeats Sandra Almeida
in a Farewell Rematch
April 26, 2026
(APR 26) LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambian boxing legend
Esther Phiri retired with a victory against South Africa's Sandra Leigh Almeida
at the Scream Club, KK Mall in Longacres, Lusaka. The historic "Ladies Fight
Night," promoted by Esther's Nest Sports Promotion, took place on April 24,
2026. The event served as a charity initiative to raise funds for a community
boxing gym in Mtendere Township. The two fought a four-round bout, with final
judges scores 40-36 on all cards.
In the main event a settling decade-old grudge match Esther Phiri defeated
Sandra Almeida, putting an end to a legendary career.
The bout served as a direct rematch to their controversial 2015 meeting that
ended in a technical draw. The two first fought on May 22, 2015, in a
ten-round bout that ended in a TD draw in the third round. The two were
fighting for the WIBA and WBF Welterweight World titles.
Both fighters came out of retirement specifically for this clash to prove who
was the superior boxer. It was reported that it was held at the packed Scream
Club in Longacres, where boxing fans rallied behind the 40-year-old Phiri.
The card was an all-female boxing card. Sanctioned by the Zambia
Professional Boxing and Wrestling Board of Control, the card highlighted growing
regional talent.
Weigh-in Conference video:
The card featured the following:
Bout Red Corner (Zambia) vs. Blue Corner (International)
Main Event Esther Phiri vs. Sandra Almeida (South Africa)
Bout 2 Lina Kasweka vs. Anam Xuza
Bout 3 Violet Phiri vs. Seya Raissa Nyogani
Bout 4 Melody Nyirongo vs. Gracious Muhlahlubi
Bout 5 Monica Chipelembwe vs. Caitlin Chipoperwa
Bout 6 Catherine Mulyata vs. Mitchell Mubaya Video
of the fights
The entire event was centered around community development and female
empowerment. Proceeds generated from ticket sales are actively earmarked to
establish a community boxing gym.
The center will focus on youth empowerment and securing the future of the
females in sport. Phiri confirmed that while she is leaving the ring
as a competitor, she intends to transition into full-time coaching to mentor the
next generation.
