Johannesburg-based boxing trainer Manny Fernandes expects a tough fight when his boxer Ricardo Malajika clashes against Yanga ‘Showtime’ Sigqibo from Duncan Village, East London, on Friday evening.
Malajika will be defending his International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior-bantamweight title when he squares up against Sigqibo at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, after both boxers made the required weight easily during the official weigh-in on Thursday.
“It’s gonna be a terrific fight. Showtime is a terrific fighter, typical of an East London fighter, fighting from the backfoot,” Fernandes said.
Malajika will be attempting to make a second successful defence since winning the title in a fight against Argentine boxer Kevin Luis Munoz in September last year. He successfully defended the title against Briton Marcel Braithwaite in April this year.
“I’ve got Ricardo and this is his second fight with me. His first fight was a shut out. He won every single round against a Commonwealth champion. He’s gonna bring his best during the fight,” Fernandes remarked. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
