Brian Mitchell relives glory days through Malajika’s historic triumph

Malajika’s title landed exactly 40 years to the day after Mitchell won his WBA Featherweight world title on September 27, 1986. 

Mitchell now runs the “Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy,” and at the age of 65, he’s proud to still be playing a big role in boxing...

"I'm loving this success, it's keeping me relevant and keeping me in boxing. I'm 65-years-old now. Myself and Malajika have got that special bond now seeing that he won his WBC title 40 years on to the day when I won my title."

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South Africa is now basking in the glory of having three WBC world title champions, and Mitchell can count two in his stable with Malajika and mini-flyweight world champion Siyakholwa “One Way” Khuse. 

Recently, Bernice Ferreira became the first African WBC female champion, and Mitchell says now the aim is to maintain the standards.

To win the world title takes dedication, but it’s even more difficult to retain it, and this is something Mitchell says they now are focused on doing. He also says the reality is that these boxers will not be defending these titles on home soil...

"Maintaining the standards is just about keeping the work rate going so the guys have to keep showing determination in the gym. Everybody wants what Kuse and Malajika now have, and it's going to be tough to defend their titles on the road away from home."

Kuse won his title earlier this year at Emperors Palace, and Mitchell says plans are afoot for the KuGompo City world champion to defend his title soon, and Japan could also be the destination for him...