Boxing South Africa (BSA) has congratulated Ricardo "Magic Man" Malajika on his recent victory, which saw him become the country's latest WBC world champion. Malajika achieved this feat after defeating Tomoya Tsuboi by a split points decision in Japan on Sunday. The victory marked a significant milestone for Malajika, who improved his record to 18 wins with 12 knockouts against two defeats.
The fight, which took place in Japan, was closely contested, with American judges Nathan Palmer and David Sutherland scoring the fight 116-112 and 115-113 in favor of Malajika. In contrast, Mexican judge Juan Carlos Pelayo had Tsuboi winning by 115-113. Malajika's corner, led by accomplished trainer Manny Fernandes and manager Brian Mitchell, played a crucial role in his victory. This win marks the second WBC title won by Fernandes and Mitchell in the same year, following Siyakholwa "One Way" Kuse's mini flyweight belt win in March.
Malajika's victory has been hailed as a proud moment for South African boxing, with BSA chairperson Ayanda Zamantungwa extending her congratulations to the new champion. Zamantungwa noted that Malajika's achievement was a significant one, as he became the sixth South African to claim the prestigious WBC green and gold belt. She also highlighted that South Africa has celebrated two WBC World Champions in just two months, which is a testament to the country's rich boxing talent.
Malajika's win has also been celebrated by the boxing community, with many experts hailing his victory as a major upset. Despite being the underdog, Malajika silenced local experts who had tipped Tsuboi to defeat him. Malajika's confidence and experience were key factors in his victory, as he utilized his longevity, big fight experience, height, reach, and power to outmaneuver his opponent.
The WBC junior bantamweight title win marks a significant milestone for Malajika, who joins an elite group of South African boxers to have won the WBC belt. He is the sixth South African to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Thulani "Sugar Boy" Malinga, Dingaan "The Rose of Soweto" Thobela, Kevin "Two Guns" Lerena, Siyakholwa "One Way" Kuse, and Bernice "The Badger" Ferreira.
Malajika's victory was also a family affair, as his younger brother Charlton "Baby Pain" Malajika, a WBA Pan African and IBO Youth bantamweight holder, was in his corner. The brothers spent a week in Japan preparing for the fight, which marked Charlton's first major international outing as a professional boxer. Malajika has credited his brother with being a key factor in his success, stating that having him around gives him the confidence to conquer.
As Malajika basks in the glory of his WBC junior bantamweight title win, the boxing community in South Africa is celebrating a major achievement. With two WBC World Champions emerging in just two months, the country's boxing fraternity is optimistic about the future of the sport. Malajika's victory has also highlighted the importance of experienced trainers and managers, as Fernandes and Mitchell continue to make their mark on the sport.
Key points
- Ricardo "Magic Man" Malajika defeats Tomoya Tsuboi to become WBC junior bantamweight champion
- Malajika is the sixth South African boxer to win the WBC belt
- South Africa has celebrated two WBC World Champions in just two months
