Malajika heads to Tokyo for world-title shot

South African boxer Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika is set to challenge Japan’s Tomoya Tsuboi for the vacant WBC World Super Flyweight title in Tokyo on 27 September.

Malajika, 28, takes a 17-2 professional record into the bout, with 12 of his victories coming by stoppage, Boxing SA reports.

He is also the reigning IBO Junior Bantamweight champion, having defended that title six times.

He has prepared for the fight under trainer Manny Fernandes, while former world champion Brian Mitchell is his manager and will work in his corner in Japan for the first time.

The date carries particular significance for Mitchell, who won the WBA Junior Lightweight world title at Sun City on 27 September 1986 - exactly 40 years before Malajika's challenge.

Mitchell said he hoped the coincidence would prove a positive omen as the South African team travelled to Japan.

The challenge represents a major opportunity for Malajika to add a WBC world title to his achievements and strengthen his standing on the international boxing scene.