Ronald Malindi’s trainer Bernie Pailman is happy that his boxer will defend his national title in July, not on Sunday, 29 May, as it was initially suggested.
South African bantamweight champion Malindi has signed to defend his title against Rofhiwa Nemushungwa in Mpumalanga on Friday, 8 July.
“We are going to fight in July. This is what I have been calling for. We now have enough time to prepare for our title defence unlike when we were given the fight on short notice. I’m very happy and Malindi is happy,” Pailman said.
Malindi, who is unbeaten in 18 fights and has been a champion since September 2018, has not fought since his win over Lwandile Sityatha in March 2020.
A letter Boxing South Africa (BSA) sent to Malindi on 23 March gave him 30 days to make arrangements with a promoter to stage the fight and added that failure to do so would force the organisation to order him to defend his title at a gym or venue chosen by the boxing body.
The letter also added that failure to make arrangements to defend the title might result in BSA declaring the title vacant. The 30-day period ended on 23 April.
Nemushungwa’s trainer Alan Toweel said: “We have signed a contract to fight against Malindi and we are happy with this.”
