Seldom backward in coming forward, Brian Mitchell has a firm view of Ricardo Malajika’s form ahead of his IBO bantamweight title defence against Yanga Sigqibo at Emperors Palace on Friday.
“You’ll see the best version of him ever.”
The champion’s manager has no doubt that “Magic Man” is in the form of his life, saying he expected him to beat Sigqibo inside the distance.
It’s a bold claim given that the challenger is ranked 12th in the world and has never been stopped. But Mitchell is emboldened by Malajika’s tireless work in the gym and steady improvement under trainer Manny Fernandes. He sees a boxer at the very top of his craft, confident in everything he does and prepared for anything his opponent may do.
“He’s in the best condition of his life, and in his prime,” said Mitchell of his boxer, who turns 26 five days after the fight.
“Manny is one of the best teachers in the game and has added a vital extra bit. We’re all excited.”
Mitchell is too savvy to write off Sigqibo, acknowledging his experience and technical ability. “He’s good and experienced and knows how to win. He’s not a puncher but relies on his fitness. You’ll be seeing two very fit guys on Friday, but Ricardo’s strength will be too much. It’s his biggest fight ever, and he’ll be ready.”
Asked what he’d like to see from the protégé, Mitchell likened the challenge to his own, albeit around 40 years ago.
“Every fight, people would say, ‘but how good is he really?’ I had to prove myself every time and it’s the same with Ricardo. It’s another big, big challenge. I can assure you, if he hurts Yanga, he’s taking him out. He went the distance with Kosei Tanaka, the WBO champion, so we know he’s durable. Yanga wants what Ricardo’s got. It’s all on the line . . . I’m expecting a great fight.”
At the other end of the scale, big men Chris Thompson and Alexandru Jur will meet in an eight-round bridgerweight bout in the main undercard fixture.
Thompson is enthused by the switch to the newer division and, after his last fight at the Palace of Dreams, will be looking to produce another entertaining fight for the fans. Jur learned his craft in the rugged gyms of Eastern Europe and won’t be here merely to collect a pay cheque. Thompson will have to box as well as he talks.
New signing Don-Juan van Heerden will make his Golden Gloves debut against Snamiso Ntuli at catchweight. With an SA title in the offing down the line, anything less than a win will be calamitous for the heavy-handed Van Heerden.
The early undercard will also feature the like of Juan Alberts (heavyweight), Keanu Koopman (welterweight) and Dean Promnick (middleweight).
Boxing starts at 7pm and will also be broadcast live on SuperSport.
