It was a cold, gloomy morning at OR Tambo International Airport, but the weather did little to dampen the excitement as family, friends, fellow boxers, members of the media and supporters gathered early on Tuesday to welcome home Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika, South Africa’s new World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Flyweight World Champion.
After a long journey from Tokyo, Malajika returned home carrying more than a world title belt. He brought with him a victory that has added another proud chapter to South African boxing. The 28-year-old made history on Sunday, 27 September, defeating Japan’s Tomoya Tsuboi by split decision over 12 rounds to claim the vacant WBC Super Flyweight World Championship. Two judges scored the contest in Malajika’s favour, while the third favoured Tsuboi.
As supporters gathered to catch a glimpse of the champion, the atmosphere reflected the significance of his achievement. For those who had followed his journey, the welcome was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, sacrifice and determination behind his success.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.
Speaking after his return, Malajika said the reality of becoming a world champion had still not fully sunk in, even though he knew as soon as the final bell rang that the title was his.
“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 back home who believed in me. To come back home and see everyone here makes it even more special.”
Boxing South Africa (BSA) Chairperson Ms Ayanda Zamantungwa Khumalo congratulated Malajika on his achievement, highlighting what the victory means for the country.
“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’s achievement is also a reflection of the team behind him, particularly his trainer, Manny Fernandes, whose experience and guidance have been central to his journey in the sport. Fernandes is a respected figure in South African boxing, and his role in preparing Malajika for a world-title challenge on foreign soil deserves recognition.
For Mitchell, the victory was made even more special by the timing. Exactly 40 years after winning his own world title on 27 September 1986, Mitchell was celebrating another world championship, this time from the corner of his boxer in Tokyo. Speaking after Malajika’s victory, Mitchell said he was ecstatic to see his boxer achieve what they had worked towards.
Boxing South Africa congratulates Malajika on his historic achievement and welcomes him home as the new WBC Super Flyweight World Champion.
