After cancelled bout, Saar-rah Karriem eyes redemption at Fight Island
Saar-rah Karriem will be in action on Fight Island for her second pro fight.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
A month ago, Saar-rah Karriem was supposed to be on the historic Women’s Day card promoted by Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves at Emperor's Palace, but destiny had other plans.
That Women’s Day card is the one that saw two Cape Town female fighters, Simamkele Tutsheni and Caleigh Swart, strut it out for the IBO All Africa title, which was eventually won by Tutsheni.
Karriem’s opponent pulled out during the weigh-ins in what was supposed to be a highlight moment, her big chance to make that long-awaited ring walk in a major stage.
That’s all in the past now and the 21-year-old from Retreat has put that disappointment behind her and is looking firmly to the future.
She is now back in action at Cabo Beach for the next instalment of Fight Island on October 25, the same venue where she made her professional debut back in April.
One of the most exciting female prospects, Karriem has all the makings of a fighter capable of shaking up the female divisions.
Speaking on her opportunity to return to Fight Island after not having fought since April, she says it’s nothing but excitement. She’s shaken off the bitter taste of having a fight cancelled at the very last minute.
“I felt like I prepared really well. It was a moment for me to finally fight on Golden Gloves, which is something I’ve been hoping for since I was a child. It was such a wonderful platform, also being on Women’s Day,” she said.
“I’ve moved on and I’m extremely excited to be back in the ring. I’ve been waiting for so long. I was last in action in April,” added Karriem.
Saar-rah Karriem's last fight was in April on Fight Island where she will be back in action.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
What’s exciting, though, is that Fight Island works hand in hand with Golden Gloves, and that opportunity is still very much a reality. At the helm of Fight Island, Matt Leisching is building the brand to ensure that his fighters, under his ML Boxing promotion and in partnership with Insane Boxing, get maximum exposure. That kind of visibility is crucial and should lead to solid payoffs for boxers, especially those still making their way up.
What makes Fight Island even juicier is Leisching’s working relationship with Rodney Berman, where fighters from these cards also get an opportunity to fight under the prestigious Golden Gloves banner.