Rising Cape Town boxer Saarah 'MadMax' Karriem and champion Bernice Ferreira have secured positions in the World Boxing Council's super featherweight rankings, marking a significant milestone for South African women's boxing and reflecting the nation's growing combat sports development.
Saarah "MadMax" Karriem, right, has emerged as one of the rising stars of South Africa n combat sports and will return to the squared circle at Fighters Club's Battle at the Island: Fight Like A Woman event, which takes place at GrandWest Casino on August 8.
Boxing South Africa has congratulated one of Cape Town's rising talents, Saarah Karriem , after the 22-year-old earned a place in the WBC ratings last month. Karriem, who was previously listed at No. 15, is currently ranked No. 16 in the World Boxing Council's Super Featherweight division, while her compatriot and reigning IBO World Super Featherweight champion, Bernice Ferreira , is ranked No. 4.
"The inclusion of both Saarah Karriem and Bernice Ferreira in the WBC's global rankings is a proud milestone for South African boxing, especially for women in the sport. To have two South African women recognised among the world's elite reflects the quality of talent being developed locally," said BSA. Karriem has emerged as one of the standout prospects in Cape Town's growing combat sports scene.
Since entering the professional boxing ranks under the guidance of her father, coach, and long-time martial artist, Zain Karriem, she has made a significant impact. Competing under the moniker"MadMax", Karriem has built a respectable reputation both inside and outside the ring.
In addition to boxing, she has honed her skills across multiple combat sports disciplines, including kickboxing. Since making her professional boxing debut in April 2025, Karriem has remained undefeated, recording three victories from three bouts. Beyond her technical abilities in the ring, Karriem has also become one of the sport's emerging personalities, drawing strong support at events and building a loyal online following.
In modern combat sports, where athletic achievement and marketability often go hand in hand, that support is an invaluable asset. The growing popularity of combat sports, fuelled by international stars and South Africa's own former UFC middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, has only accelerated that trend.
"I'm incredibly honoured and grateful to be ranked in the WBC world rankings this early in my career. It's something I've dreamed of since I first put on a pair of boxing gloves, and to see my name among the world's best is a huge milestone in my career," said Karriem.
"Saarah's achievement is truly inspiring, and this is only the beginning of her story. As a young boxer from Cape Town, earning a place in the WBC Top 15 so early in her career speaks volumes about her dedication to the sport. She represents the next generation of female athletes capable of competing and being recognised on the world stage," BSA continued.
"Bernice's journey is equally remarkable. She has overcome challenges to become an IBO world champion, and her rise through the professional ranks has been built on years of hard work and perseverance.
" The WBC rankings place Karriem among the world's leading contenders in the super featherweight division. A place within the Top 15 makes a boxer eligible for consideration for eliminators and future world title opportunities, subject to WBC regulations. It is a notable milestone for South African women's boxing, particularly considering that Karriem has only recently begun establishing herself on the international stage.
According to the World Boxing Council , its world rankings are compiled by the WBC Ratings Committee, which reviews fighters' performances on a monthly basis. In determining a boxer's ranking, the committee considers several factors, including the quality of opposition faced, performances in WBC-sanctioned championship and regional title bouts, activity and consistency in the ring, and overall merit and progression within the division.
These criteria are assessed collectively to ensure the rankings accurately reflect a fighter's standing among the world's leading contenders.
"With women's boxing continuing to gain momentum globally, these rankings are a strong indication that South African female boxers are more than capable of competing among the world's best. BSA remains committed to creating more opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talent and continue raising the standard of women's boxing.
" Speaking on Karriem's achievement, Warrior Ascent Promotions CEO and WBC Cares South Africa Chairperson Brad Dayan Norman expressed his delight. "I think it is an amazing achievement and one that will only motivate her to work even harder. I also believe she will prove her rating in her next fight when she competes for the Western Cape title.
" Norman was referring to Karriem's next assignment, a historic event for women's boxing in South Africa titled The event is expected to be one of the largest women's combat sports showcases ever hosted in the Mother City, with Karriem among the featured attractions. She is set to face Samkelo Mbambo for the vacant Western Cape Junior Lightweight title under the Fighters Club Headlining the evening, Simangele Hadebe and Owethu Rula will clash for the vacant WBF Flyweight World Title in a 10-round contest.
The card will feature six bouts, multiple championship fights, and many of the country's leading female boxers. Tickets are available through iTickets.
"Furthermore, BSA calls upon the corporate sector to partner with us as we launch the Women in Boxing Series, which will be hosted across the country. These female-only events will begin with the first installment on August 1, 2026, in Limpopo," added Boxing South Africa.
Please follow us on Google to support usSaarah Karriem Bernice Ferreira WBC Rankings Women's Boxing South Africa Super Featherweight Fight Like A Women Grandwest Casino Boxing South Africa Undefeated IBO Champion Combat Sports Dricus Du Plessis Warrior Ascent Promotions
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South African Creatives Prove Their Worth on Global StageActress and poet, author, and actor, reflects on filming in Cape Town, embracing her character and why Mzansi is on the brink of becoming a global storytelling powerhouse.
Read more »
South African Communities Build Makeshift Bridge to Access HealthcareRural communities in South Africa are building makeshift bridges to access basic healthcare due to lack of infrastructure and services.
Read more »
South African Actor Shines in International ProductionSouth African poet, author, and actor reflects on being cast in an international production alongside Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, and Lucien Laviscount. She discusses filming in Cape Town, bringing her children along, and the professionalism of the largely South African crew, affirming Mzansi's rise as a global storytelling powerhouse.
Read more »
World Cup Expansion Draws Criticism from Former South African GoalkeeperJulian Alvarez's celebration highlights the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, while legendary South African goalkeeper Andre Arendse voices concerns about potential further expansion of the tournament, citing player fatigue and scheduling issues.
Read more »