KHADIJA MARDI WILL NOT DEFEND HER WORLD TITLE IN SERBIA
Morocco’s national women’s boxing team has been dealt a devastating blow following the withdrawal from the World Championships of their boxing jewel Khadija Mardi.
Team manager Nabil Hilmi told boxersworld.co.ke that Mardi will not defend her world heavyweight title she won in India in 2023 because she is unwell. She outpointed Kazakhstan’s Kungeibayeva Lazzat in New Delhi to become the first African female boxer to win a world title.
“It’s a big blow for the entire team our captain is not with us, we have to accept the reality,” said Hilmi who is now the Vice President of Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation.
Mardi and compatriot Yasmine Mouttaki were the only two African medalists in the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi, India.
In an interview with boxersworld.co.ke before she fell ill, Mardi said was looking forward to defending her world heavyweight title in Serbia.
“I’ve prepared myself very well to defend my title ,” said the mother of three daughters who is also triple African champion.
She played down the question of any boxer posing a threat to her title defence.
“There’s no such thing as threat in boxing, I know I’m capable with hard work and endurance nothing is impossible,” she said.
With Mardi out, Mouttaki will be the only African medallist in the 2023 Worlds in Serbia.
Team manager Nabil announced the seven boxers who will represent Morocco in Serbia:
Rabab Cheddar 48 kg
Yasmine Mouttaki 50 kg
Imane Azami 52 kg
Widad Bertal 54 kg
Mouna Toutire 66 kg
Saida Lahmidi 70 kg
Hasnae Larti 81 kg
Coaches Juan Carlos Maestre and Ahmed Barki
Doctor Harit Ahanout
