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Boom!
Just hours after Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez officially vacated his WBC, WBA, and WBO super flyweight belts to campaign in a higher weight class, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced that the WBC was mandating Ricardo Malajika against Tomoya Tsuboi for the vacant championship.
It’s a stunning outcome for Golden Gloves, which not only recently saw Siya Kuse crowned as WBC world champion, but has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure a major bout for Malajika.
“He thoroughly deserves this,” said Golden Gloves director Nivi Grogor. “Ricardo would have happily boxed Bam, but Bam clearly has other intentions at bantamweight.”
She confirmed that negotiations were imminent with the Japanese fight camp.
This development also registers as a coup for the Brian Mitchell Academy, which oversaw Kuse’s stunning rise to the top and is poised to do the same with Malajika, who has held the IBO super flyweight belt since late 2023.
The South African (17-2) is seen as one of the stars of the division, but won’t have it easy against Tsuboi, who was a world class amateur and recently stopped veteran Carlos Cuadras.
SA’s Ricardo Malajika, seen here beating Vince Paras, will fight for the WBC championship this year following Bam Rodriguez’s abdication.
Photograph Credits: Golden Gloves
ABOUT GOLDEN GLOVES
Golden Gloves is South Africa’s premier boxing promotions company, renowned for delivering world-class events that showcase the best of African and international talent. With a proud legacy, spanning decades, Golden Gloves has been at the forefront of shaping the local boxing scene, producing champions who have competed on the global stage. Driven by passion, professionalism, and innovation, the company continues to elevate the sport by creating unforgettable fight nights that blend athletic excellence with entertainment value.
From nurturing rising prospects to staging headline bouts, Golden Gloves is committed to growing boxing’s reach and inspiring the next generation of fighters and fans. With a reputation for integrity and excellence, the company partners with broadcasters, sponsors, and venues to bring audiences closer to the action. Golden Gloves remains dedicated to building the future of boxing in South Africa while honoring the sport’s rich tradition.
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