Asked how he feels fighting away from the United Kingdom for the first time, Marcel Braithwaite, who challenges Ricardo Malajika for the IBO super-flyweight at Emperors Palace in April, said it didn’t matter.
“I’ve travelled up and down the UK, fighting in threatening places, and got the wins on the road. It’s not an issue; I’ve won titles most times,” said the 29-year-old Commonwealth champion, clearly undeterred by the nature of the challenge.
He’s hard at training in Liverpool, undaunted by any potential bumps in the road.
“Malajika is a good champion, quite aggressive. I’m looking forward to going into the lion’s den. It’s an opportunity to create my legacy.”
Braithwaite (16-3-1) has been a professional since 2016, picking up a slew of titles: English, British, Commonwealth and WBC International belts.
Four years ago he endured his toughest spell, losing back-to-back bouts, one of them to future world champion Sunny Edwards. But rather than set him back, it forced him to re-set and work harder.
“It was all about character and lessons,” he said from the UK. “Not many can say they’ve taken the path I have. It’s taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears. But I’ve won many titles along the way. Going to South Africa and getting the win will be another way to demonstrate my character.”
He says it’s difficult to define his boxing style. “You can never put me down to one style. I’m versatile, one of the best athletes in the world.”
Braithwaite has fought almost his entire life. He began training taekwando at the age of four, then fought rough on the streets before turning to boxing at the age of 11. He hasn’t stopped since, drawing inspiration from the likes of Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, and Muhammad Ali.
In April, he hopes to do as they did and become a world champion. It won’t be easy, but then nor does he expect it to be.
