Going down to the flyweight division is not a problem to Ricardo ‘Magic Man’ Malajika as long as he will be able to challenge his idol and world champion Jackson ‘M3’ Chauke before the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Malajika, who is the reigning International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior-bantamweight champion, challenges IBO flyweight titlist Chauke at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, 8 March next year.
After he successfully defended his title twice since winning it during a fight against Argentine boxer Kevin Luis Munoz last year, now Malajika wants to dethrone Chauke and maybe send him to retirement.
Malajika made a successful first title defence when he defeated Briton Marcel Braithwaite in April and then stopped Duncan Village-born Yanga Sigqibo in the 11th round four months later.
“It’s a dream come true for me to fight against someone I’ve always looked up to. This is one fight I have to win as Chauke is a formidable opponent. Fighting against an experienced campaigner like him is what I’m looking forward to,” Malajika remarked.
The 26-year-old Malajika, who is trained by Manny Fernandes, added. “I don’t even think making the flyweight division is gonna be difficult for me as I’m always weighing 51 kilograms.”
Meanwhile, it’s going to be the first time that the Tembisa-based Chauke defends the crown he won after he outpointed Afghan-born Briton Quaise Khademi in January this year. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
