BETWEEN RINGS

While most young women in her home town of Zambia were busy planning weddings, Esther Phiri had other ideas – To stay single, be a professional boxer and complete the high school education that she abandoned when her family fell on hard times. Her quick and meteoric rise to undefeated world champion took not only the boxing world by surprise but sent emotions fever pitch. But while the global press rushed to portray the image of the strong and confident woman tagged “Zambia’s Million Dollar Baby,” in private, Esther slowly crumbled under the weight of her success. In the pursuit of independence from a husband, her global success had made her a symbol of hope and empowerment and a provider for her family and friends whose demands increased as Esther’s fortune grew.