Malajika makes first defence of IBO title

South Africa’s Ricardo Malajika, from Johannesburg, is scheduled to make the first defence of his IBO super flyweight title against Marcel Braithwaite of Liverpool, Mersyside, at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night, 9 March.

The talented Malajika (12-2; 9), who was an outstanding amateur before joining the professional ranks in October 2018, won the IBO super flyweight title at Emperors Palace on 9 February last year when he dominated the previously unbeaten Kevin Luis Munoz to win with scores of 120-108, 118-110, and 117-111.

The only two losses on his record were both on points against Sabelo Ngebinvana and Siko Ngothole.

However, since those setbacks, he has won his last four fights in style.

The 29-year-old Braithwaite (16-3-1; 1) has been fighting as a pro since November 2016.

He scored over Scott Allan (10-5-1) for the WBC International Silver super flyweight title and won the Commonwealth super flyweight against Ryan Farrar (21-5).

In his most recent fight in October last year, he stopped Ijaz Ahmed inside the distance to claim the vacant British super flyweight title and retain the Commonwealth super flyweight title.

Braithwaite is a competent professional but, with only one inside-the-distance win on his record, the champion must be the favourite to win on points over 12 rounds.

On the undercard there are two good matchups, with Keaton Gomes defending his South African heavyweight title against Shaun Potgieter, and Brandon Thysee in against Darrin Roussouw, in a clash for the All Africa middleweight title.