Johannesburg – 15 September 2026 – Boxing South Africa (BSA), together with SuperSport, Golden Gloves and members of the media, today joined in sending off Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika ahead of his WBC World Super Flyweight title challenge in Tokyo, Japan.
Malajika will face Japan’s Tomoya Tsuboi for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Flyweight World Championship on 27 September 2026.
The 28-year-old enters the fight with a professional record of 17 wins, including 12 stoppages, and two defeats. He is also the reigning IBO Junior Bantamweight World Champion and has successfully defended his title six times.
Malajika has been preparing for the bout under trainer Manny Fernandes, with former world champion Brian Mitchell as his manager. Mitchell will also work in Malajika’s corner in Tokyo, marking the first time he will do so during the boxer’s professional career.
For Mitchell, the date of the fight holds special meaning. On 27 September 1986, exactly 40 years before Malajika’s bout, Mitchell won the WBA Junior Lightweight World Championship at Sun City.
“It’s going to be 40 years to the day since I won the world title in 1986 at Sun City, and of course Ricardo Malajika fights on the same day, 40 years later. So, we’re hoping it’s going to be a great omen,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell also expressed his appreciation for the support shown at Tuesday’s send-off.
“We’re going to Japan to win the WBC title, the biggest title in the world, and we’re very excited. We really thank BSA, Golden Gloves and everyone for the support. We’ll bring back the WBC title to South Africa.”
BSA Chairperson Ms Ayanda Khumalo said Malajika’s opportunity is significant for the boxer and for South African boxing as a whole.
“We are very excited. We’ve had quite a few opportunities for WBC titles this year. We’ve already had two this year, and we are hoping to secure this one as the third belt,” said Khumalo.
“I’m really looking forward to Malajika coming back with the belt. I will be at the airport to welcome him. I’m very excited and confident that he will do it. He has a
very impressive record, he is a very good boxer and very disciplined. I do believe that he will create magic in Japan.”
The Tokyo fight will be an important opportunity for Malajika as he looks to add the WBC title to his achievements and further strengthen his position on the international boxing stage.
BSA wishes Malajika and the entire team a safe journey to Japan and success in their preparations ahead of the championship bout.
ENDS
