Ricardo Malajika eyes another major scalp

By Rynhardt Kuhn
7th November 2025

Ricardo ‘Magic Man’ Malajika promises fireworks in the ring when he stages yet another defence of his IBO World Title against Vince Paras of the Philippines on November 29.

For the last few years, Malajika has emerged as one of the finest talents around, with an imposing record of 16 wins, 2 losses, and 12 KOs.

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, the magic man explains what preparation has been like for his upcoming fight, as well as the mindset he adopts before going to war.

"I prepare for everyone the same, I don't look down on anybody because in this sport you cannot afford to take anyone for granted.

"We are staying focused on our game plan to make sure that I come out on top, no matter who stands in front of me."

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Malajika fights out of Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy in Edenvale, where he trains alongside his brother, Charlton.

The champion details how boxing has strengthened his relationship with his brother and how they push each other’s limits to achieve their dreams.

"We have been boxing together and sparring one another for years, even since our amateur days.

"We always want the best for one another because, as they say, iron sharpens iron."

The highly skilled operator became a father early on in his life, and so he took it upon himself to leave school and turn professional.

As fate would have it, that turned out to be the best decision he could’ve made at that time, as he explains…

"Ever since I became a father in high school, it has made me a better person, because it was tough where I grew up.

"My dad was the only one looking after us, and I didn't want to bring my dad another baby to look after, so what I did was, I left school to look for work. Once I got the job, I realised it wasn't enough, so I then made the decision to turn pro in boxing and I haven't looked back since."

Managed by Brian Mitchell and trained by Manny Fernandes, Malajika is the only South African to hold two IBO world titles at the same time, but he insists that he is still chasing bigger fights.

Come November 29 at Emperor’s Palace, Malajika is primed to deliver another statement performance against a fierce Filipino puncher.