Boxing SA chair Ayanda Khumalo welcomes newly crowned WBC world champ Ricardo Malajika
As promised, Boxing South Africa (BSA) chairperson Ayanda Khumalo welcomed newly crowned WBC junior bantamweight world champion Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Brian Mitchell Academy before Malajika’s departure to Japan, Khumalo said: “I am really looking forward to Malajika coming back with the WBC belt.
“I am very excited and confident he will do it. I believe he will create magic in Japan.”
Malajika won the vacant belt by a split points decision, becoming the second WBC world champion in the gym where Manny Fernandes is the head trainer.
Fernandes guided Malajika’s gym mate, Siyakholwa “One Way” Kuse, to victory for the same Mexico-based boxing body’s mini flyweight title in March.
Both boxers are managed by Brian Mitchell, and Golden Gloves promotes them.
The team members touched down at OR Tambo International Airport in the morning and were welcomed by Khumalo, their families, friends, fellow boxers, and supporters.
BSA publicist Tshegofatso Thobedi said as supporters gathered to catch a glimpse of the champion, the atmosphere reflected the significance of his achievement.
“For those who followed his journey, the welcome was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, sacrifice and determination behind his success,” she said.
“The victory also makes Malajika the sixth South African to win the WBC’s prestigious green and gold belt, adding to his standing in the sport after six successful defences of his IBO junior bantamweight world championship.”
She quoted Khumalo as saying: “Ricardo, thank you for what you have done for South African boxing and for your team.
“We are truly grateful and extremely proud of what you have achieved.
“This is the third world title belt to come home to South Africa in such a short space of time, and that is something we should all be proud of.
“On behalf of Boxing South Africa, congratulations to Ricardo and his entire team on this incredible achievement.”
Malajika is quoted as saying: “It still feels unreal. I knew I had done enough when the final bell went, but hearing that I was the new WBC World Champion was something else.
“I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet. I’m just grateful to God, my team, my family and everyone at home who believed in me.
“To come back home and see everyone here makes it even more special.”