FROM THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER IN MOSCOW
Tanzania’s Sarah Alex went down fighting last Sunday, September 13, 2026 after a brave eight-round battle against Russia’s Ekaterina Sycheva in a WBA Asia Female Super Bantamweight title contest in Orenburg, Russia.
Fighting away from home and in front of a strongly partisan Russian crowd, the Arusha’s top female boxer showed courage and determination as she stayed on her feet for the full distance against the highly motivated home favourite.
Sycheva eventually claimed the vacant title by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the contest 80-72 in her favour.
Despite the wide scorecards, Sarah continued pressing forward throughout the fight, looking for openings and throwing powerful punches as she refused to be intimidated by the occasion or the vocal home support for her opponent.
Sycheva used her movement and accuracy effectively, avoiding many of Sarah’s heavier attacks while landing cleaner combinations during the eight rounds.
Sarah may have returned home without the championship belt but she left Orenburg having fought to the final bell with Tanzania’s flag firmly on her shoulders.
