Zambian boxing legend Esther Phiri has officially announced that her upcoming bout on April 24, 2026, will be her last professional fight, marking the end of an era in female boxing in Zambia.
In an emotional social media post, Phiri dedicated her final fight to her late coach, Anthony “Preacher Man” Mwamba, crediting him for believing in her at a time when few believed female boxing could succeed in Zambia.
Esther Phiri’s Last Fight Set for April 24, 2026
Esther Phiri confirmed that she will step into the ring one last time at Scream Club on April 24, 2026, where she is scheduled to face Sandra Leigh Almeida.
According to Phiri, the fight carries unfinished business. She referenced a previous bout where she missed out on becoming a Unified Champion, after the contest was declared a draw.
“They said it was a draw and I lost the opportunity to be a Unified Champion, but when they later reviewed the footage they saw it was not a head butt as they said but a punch,” she wrote.
Now, she says, she has the chance to prove she deserved the title.
Tribute to Anthony “Preacher Man” Mwamba
Phiri’s announcement was also a heartfelt tribute to her late mentor, Anthony Mwamba, who played a pivotal role in shaping her boxing career.
“When no corporate or individuals believed that female boxing could exist in Zambia, you saw it, you conquered it,” she shared.
She reflected on the early days when they would walk long distances seeking sponsorship and support for women’s boxing, determined to build something meaningful despite the odds.
Phiri revealed that during preparations for this final fight, she nearly quit but felt inspired by her coach’s voice encouraging her:
“Iwe Chi Esther let’s go! Ima apo, you a champion.”
From Mtendere Market to Boxing Greatness
Esther Phiri’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. She openly recalled how she once sold chicken feet and pieces at Mtendere Market just to survive, describing herself as a “fat girl” and a school dropout who was given a chance by a coach who believed in her potential.
That belief, she says, changed her life forever.
Today, Phiri stands as one of Zambia’s most accomplished female boxers, inspiring thousands of young girls across the country.
Esther Phiri to Become a Coach After Retirement
Following her final fight, Phiri announced that she will officially retire from professional boxing and step into a new role — mentoring and training the next generation.
“I am now officially stepping off the ring after this fight and give an opportunity to the girl child in the communities like you did with me and I will take on your shoes and become a coach,” she wrote.
Her vision includes establishing a Community Boxing Gym and Youth Empowerment Center in Mtendere, dedicated to uplifting young people and preserving her coach’s legacy.
Phiri revealed that funds raised from her final fight will go toward building the facility, which will include a special corner dedicated to Anthony Mwamba.
Empowering the Girl Child Through Boxing
In her message, Esther Phiri encouraged young girls to consider boxing not just as a sport, but as a path to discipline, leadership, and self-protection.
“To every girl child who looks up to me, boxing isn’t an easy sport but it will help protect you, your community, make you great, make you a leader and it will make you meet Kings and Queens,” she said.
She pledged to guide young athletes by sharing her experience — including the pitfalls to avoid and the paths worth pursuing.
A Historic Moment for Zambian Boxing
Esther Phiri’s final fight is more than just a sporting event — it represents the closing chapter of a trailblazing career that helped put Zambian female boxing on the map.
As she prepares to step into the ring on April 24, 2026, fans across Zambia are expected to rally behind her in what promises to be an emotional farewell bout.
For Phiri, however, this is not just about winning a title — it is about honoring her coach, completing unfinished business, and laying the foundation for the next generation of champions.
