Retreat’s Karriem eyes bantamweight division

Lonwabo Marele|Published 4 months ago

Retreat’s Saar-rah Karriem with her father and coach Zain Karriem at Cabo Beach Club ahead of her fight against Hanna Von Wirth from Germany.

Retreat’s Saar-rah Karriem was crowned the Fight Island Amateur Title champion following a Technical Knockout win against Sea Point’s Hanna Von Wirth at Cabo Beach Club on Saturday, October 19.

Fighting out of Bushido Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, Karriem is a familiar face in the ring. Her father, coach Zain, calls her the “boogie-lady” of the bantamweight division.

In kickboxing, Karriem is the former Cape Town District Champion, the former Western Cape Champion and the Ring Contact Fighting Arts International SA Champion.

In boxing, she is the Cape Town Elite District Women’s Champion, the Western Cape Elite Women’s silver medalist, and the 2024 Sanabo bronze medalist at 57 g.

At ML Boxing Management and Insane Boxing Promotion’s Cabo Fight Island, on Saturday, Karriem won the title with a third round stoppage against Von Wirth, from Blood, Sweat and Tears.

Karriem now has 12 wins and three losses in the amateur rankings, while Von Wirth has eight fights, including six wins, one loss and one white-collar fight draw.

Karriem’s team say they are in conversation with professional managers and promoters, with ambitions of turning professional early in 2025.

Meanwhile, Von Wirth’s coach Felix Venganayi said its back to the drawing board for her to focus in regaining her winning momentum in her 50kg fighting division.

Prayer, a family tradition for the Karriems.

The calm before the storm, Hanna Von Wirth.

At this moment, Saar-rah Karriem said the nerves had subsided; she was focused and calm.

Outside of the ring, the two young female boxers are humble, but inside the dungeon, they pack a mean combo.

Saar-rah Karriem found her width and began to adjust swiftly throughout the fight.

At some point in round three, Karriem threw a 15 punch combination that sent Von Wirth to the canvas, the referee rulled it a slip.

Sea Point’s Von Wirth was stopped by Karriem via a TKO in round three.

It was an emotional moment for the Karriem family.

Hanna Von Wirth and Saar-rah Karriem showcasing sportmanship after their 54kg female brawl at Cabo Beach Club on Saturday, October 19. Pictures: Lonwabo Marele

The feeling of winning displayed in Saar-rah Karriem’s face during her interview with professional boxer and commentator Caleigh Swart. Pictures: Lonwabo Marele