Malajika’s WBC World Title Shot Has a 40-Year Twist Mitchell Calls a “Great Omen”

Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika will step into the ring in Tokyo on Sunday with the chance to become a WBC world champion, but his title challenge carries an unusual connection to his manager Brian Mitchell.

Malajika takes on Japan’s Tomoya Tsuboi for the vacant WBC Super Flyweight World Championship at Toyota Arena Tokyo, with the South African set to enter the bout holding a professional record of 17 wins, including 12 knockouts, against two defeats.

The 28-year-old is also the reigning IBO Junior Bantamweight World Champion and has successfully defended that title six times.

Malajika has completed his preparations under trainer Manny Fernandes, while former world champion Mitchell will manage the South African’s corner in Japan. It will be the first time Mitchell has worked in Malajika’s corner during his professional career.

Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika will step into the ring against Tomoya Tsuboi in Tokyo on Sunday with the chance to become a WBC world champion (Image: Golden Gloves/ Facebook)

For Mitchell, Sunday’s date is particularly significant.

Exactly 40 years earlier, on September 27, 1986, he won the WBA Junior Lightweight World Championship at Sun City. Now, four decades later, he will be in Tokyo alongside Malajika as the South African attempts to claim his own world title.

“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,” Mitchell told Boxing SA’s media team. “So, we’re hoping it’s going to be a great omen.”

Malajika has been preparing for the opportunity with the prospect of adding another world title to his growing résumé.

His opponent, Tsuboi, is unbeaten as a professional and will be fighting on home soil in what promises to be a major test for the South African.

The vacant WBC Super Flyweight title will be decided in Tokyo as Malajika looks to bring the championship back to South Africa.

The fight is scheduled for 11:00am South African time on Sunday, with coverage beginning from 10:00am on SuperSport.