Ashley to challenge for world title

Jamaica's Alicia Ashley, the former female World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight champion, has been given approval to challenge the current title holder, Kenyan Fatuma Zarika, for the title, within 90 days. This news was relayed to The Gleaner yesterday, by Ashley's promoter Luigi Olcese, who also revealed that he had won the bid to promote the fight, and is now seeking a venue for the event. Ashley lost the title to Zarika by split decision in Michigan, USA, in October last year.

"I won the purse bid and I now have 90 days to put on the fight," said an elated Olcese. "I will be entering into negotiations with Zarika and her management team in a few days, and hopefully, we can agree on the date and the terms and conditions for the fight quickly," said Olcese. He also made it clear when asked by The Gleaner that Jamaica was definitely high on the list of possible venues for the fight. "Alicia has always said that she wants to fight in Jamaica, and this would be a good time and opportunity for it to happen," he said.

He also revealed that he will be approaching potential sponsors and the television stations in Jamaica very soon, in an effort to work out a deal that will make it happen here. "I am planning a very attractive card, with at least one other female bout, and it could be in either Kingston or Montego Bay," he confirmed.

Ashley endorsed the idea of Jamaica being the venue emphatically, when contacted by The Gleaner. "I am sure that you know how badly I want to fight in Jamaica. That, for me, would be a dream come true. I lost to Zarika by split decision, and I am glad that I will now have the opportunity to regain my title. What better place than Jamaica for me to regain my title?" she said. She then continued, "It would be such a pleasure to have my Jamaican family, friends and fans cheering me on."