Malajika Defeats Tsuboi To Capture WBC Title
Call it an upset as South Africa’s Ricardo Malajika (18-2, 11 KO) scored a split decision (116-112, 113-115, 115-113) over Tomoya Tsuboi (3-1, 2 KO) to capture the vacant WBC junior bantamweight title at the Toyota Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Coming off the biggest win of his career, Malajika could next face former unified 115-pound champion Fernando Martinez.
In a closely contested battle throughout, Malajika used his jab and right-hand counters to get the better of things in the early rounds. Fighting through blood after suffering an accidental headbutt, Tsuboi responded by applying constant pressure in an attempt to overwhelm his adversary during the middle rounds.
However, it was Malajika’s movement, work rate, and switch-hitting style that ultimately proved to be the difference. The South African was able to ward off the hard-charging Tsuboi during the championship rounds to pull out the victory and claim his first world title.
Coming into the contest, Tsuboi received most of the pre-fight hype. In the end, it was Malajika who walked out of the ring with the world title wrapped around his waist.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NEW CHAMPION?
Coming off the biggest win of his career, it remains to be seen what’s next for Malajika. However, Martinez makes a lot of sense.
Ranked No. 3 by the WBC, Martinez would represent a significant test against an established and well-respected fighter in the division. A victory over someone of Martinez’s caliber would give Malajika an opportunity to demonstrate that he has real staying power at 115 pounds.
For now, the South African can celebrate a career-defining victory and a surprising rise to world champion status.
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