Joburg South boxer Ricardo Malajika wins WBC super flyweight title in Tokyo
South Africa's 'Magic Man' overcame an early cut to defeat Japan's Tomoya Tsuboi on points on a historic day for local boxing.
Joburg South fighter Ricardo ‘Magic Man’ Malajika became South Africa’s new WBC super flyweight world champion on Sunday, September 27, after capturing the vacant title with a hard-fought split-decision win over Japan’s home favourite Tomoya Tsuboi at the Toyota Arena in Tokyo.
The belt had been vacated and gave way to the clash which turned out to be as close as expected.
Technical battle
It was a highly technical battle throughout, with Malajika suffering an early cut from a clash of heads in the opening round.
Although Tsuboi had far more professional experience, his superb technical ability made it very difficult for Malajika to land clean punches.
Both men were extremely exhausted by the 12th round, but Malajika adjusted well using his height, reach and rapid counter-punching to surge in the final championship rounds.
Two judges scored it 116 to 112 and 115 to 113 in favour of Malajika, while the third had it 115 to 113 for Tsuboi.
Multi-belt champion
The historic victory improves Malajika’s professional record to 18 wins with 12 knockouts and two defeats, and sees him now hold multi-belt status as the reigning WBC world champion as well as the IBO junior bantamweight and IBO flyweight champion.
He was guided to victory by South African boxing icon Brian Mitchell as manager and Manny Fernandes as head trainer, remarkably winning the belt on the exact 40th anniversary of Mitchell’s own WBA junior-lightweight world title win in 1986.
In doing so, Malajika becomes only the sixth South African boxer in history to capture a prestigious WBC world title.
The win for the Joburg South star has already inspired young athletes across Johannesburg to chase their dreams through hard work and faith.
Speaking after being crowned world champion, Malajika said: “This moment means everything to me.
To come to Japan, to face a champion like Tsuboi in his backyard and bring this WBC belt home to South Africa after 40 years to the day that Uncle Brian won his first world title, it is God’s timing. I was cut, I was tired, but I kept my faith and I kept pushing for my family and for my home fans.”
