Representatives of Ricardo ‘Magic Man’ Malajika and Kenshiro Teraji from Japan have received correspondence from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) regarding an elimination bout between the two boxers.
The correspondence sent to Golden Gloves managing director Rodney Berman and Misako Gym’s Takashi Misako was confirming an order from the IBF, which mandated a fight between reigning International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior-bantamweight champion Malajika and Teraji.
“Both have confirmed in writing their willingness to participate in an eliminator bout. Accordingly, the IBF is ordering an elimination contest between these two contenders to determine a mandatory challenger,” a letter from IBF championships chairman George Martinez said.
Currently, Malajika is rated fourth by the IBF in the junior-bantamweight division while Teraji, the former World Boxing Council (WBC) junior-flyweight and World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight champion, is one place below him.
Not only is the winner of the bout going to occupy the number one rating, he will also be in line to challenge current IBF junior-bantamweight titlist Willibaldo García from Mexico. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
