Boxing returns to Emperors Palace for the first time this year

Boxing returns to Emperors Palace near Kempton Park for the first time this year on Friday, with an action-packed programme headed by South Africa’s Ricardo Malajika (12-2; 9), making the first defence of his IBO junior bantamweight title against England’s Marcel Braithwaite (16-3-1;1).

The fight will be shown live on SS208.

Malajika, 25, was an outstanding amateur before making his pro debut on 21 October 2018, winning on a first-round knockout against Nkululeka Mnisi at Emperors Palace where he has won most of his fights.

He won his next six fights in style before suffering his first loss to Sabele Ngebinyana on an eight-round split points decision. He won his next fight on a first-round knockout, only to suffer the second loss on his record against Sikho Nqothole on points.

After this he scored three victories before meeting Levin Luis Munoz (16-1) at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park for the vacant IBO junior bantamweight title, winning on a 12-round unanimous points decision with scores of 120-108 and 117-111 twice.

Braithwaite, 28, won the BBC English junior bantamweight title on 21 October 2019 against Craig Derbyshire (7-27-3) on a majority ten-round points decision.

On 21 December 2019 he lost on points over 12 rounds against Sunny Edwards (13-0) for the vacant British junior bantamweight title.

He has been in several title fights and won against Scott Allan for the WBC silver junior bantamweight title.

He is coming off wins in his last three fights and could take Malajika all the way but not do enough to take the IBO title.

Braithwaite is listed at No 16 in the most recent IBO junior bantamweight ratings.

UNDERCARD

Keaton Gomes (10-2) v Shaun Potgieter (8-1) – Gomes defends his South African heavyweight title, scheduled for 12 rounds.
Brandon Thysse v Darrin Rossouw – Ten rounds junior middleweight. .
Chris Thompson v Juan Roux – Eight rounds heavyweight.
Fhulufhelo Ramaliba v Dylan Prosser – four rounds light heavyweight.
Sanmele Mbatha v Clifford Louw – four rounds light heavyweight.
Khumbulani v Dean Promnick – four rounds middleweight