The headliners for this weekend’s international tournament at Emperors Palace came face to face for the first time on Tuesday afternoon with a large, appreciative crowd on hand to crank up the heat.
Both Marcel Braithwaite, of England, and hometown hero Ricardo Malajika weighed in comfortably within the five percent threshold for their IBO world super-flyweight title bout (51kg).
For the other championship fight on the card, the SA heavyweight title, Keaton Gomes weighed in at a solid 101kg with Shaun Potgieter carrying his 114kg poundage very well.
“It won’t be like the first time,” promised the challenger, who lost to Gomes two years ago. “I’ve trained for many months and have the beating of him.”
It was a theme continued by canny trainer Gert Strydom, who warned Gomes not to under-estimate his charge.
Gomes and trainer Smith, however, dismissed the friendly jibes and expressed confidence in doing the double come fight time.
Meanwhile, promoter Rodney Berman was buoyed by the energy during the pre-fight medical. “The vibe was unbelievable. Gomes is clearly a big drawcard, but Potgieter also looked excellent at the weight. I expect we’ll see a very good fight,” he predicted.
“The main event sees a classic boxer in Malajika up against a slick mover in Braithwaite. We’re set for a great night on Friday.”
All the boxers will be on hand for the weigh-in on Thursday ahead of what is shaping to be an outstanding night of boxing action.
The event will be broadcast live on SS Action and SS Variety 3 from 6pm on Friday.
