A really good fight is what boxing trainer Manny Fernandes expects when his charge Ricardo Malajika clashes with veteran boxer Jackson Chauke at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park on Saturday.
Malajika will attempt to become the first South African boxer to inflict defeat on Chauke in a flyweight bout in almost 12 years. Chauke’s International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight title is going to be at stake when he squares up against Malajika.
“I think it’s gonna be a really, really good fight as you know Chauke has got lots of experience. He will be coming forward. Mala is gonna be a step ahead and too quick for him. Ricardo definitely has got tremendous power. If it’s a stoppage, then that will be a bonus,” Fernandes remarked.
Chauke, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in May, will be making the first defence of the title he won after he outpointed Afghan-born Briton Quaise Khademi in January last year.
On the other hand, Malajika will be gunning to add the IBO flyweight title to his junior-bantamweight crown from the same boxing body.
“Chauke is ready for this. We’re definitely up for this fight. People are gonna see how good Ricardo is. He’s definitely one of the best fighters in the country,” Fernandes said.
“He still has a long way to go. But I can foresee that he can win five titles in different divisions. Mentally, he’s very tough, very strong. It takes a lot of courage and determination for a fighter to come down a division and take a fight. He’s in excellent condition.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
