David Rajuili honours a legacy and reclaims his roots

After several years of campaigning across Europe – a period he describes as a difficult but rewarding stretch – Rajuili is returning to Durban, the city where his career was ignited. 

Rajuili’s upcoming bout isn’t just another entry on his record; it is a deeply personal tribute. He is set to headline a memorial exhibition event for Lee Dyer the former South African champion who tragically passed away last year. 

The fight serves as a celebration of a man Rajuili and a lot of other boxers considered a brother and a hero, and the veteran can’t wait to reintroduce himself to the South African audience at the same time…

“I told myself, if I can be used as a journeyman in Europe, let me come home and use that tag here. I still have the tools so don’t worry about what has happened in the last six years in Europe, let’s focus on the present.”

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While the bout is framed as an exhibition at a catchweight, Rajuili is quick to dispel any notions that his fight against Paul Kamanga will be a light sparring session. 

“We are professional fighters at the end of the day, one of us is going to fall, that’s 100%. I have to make a statement in South Africa to say I am back!”

The move back to South Africa follows a somewhat frustrating stint in Europe, most recently a fight in Finland where Rajuili felt "robbed" by a controversial decision. 

Despite a record that doesn't fully reflect his capabilities, Rajuili is choosing to leave the bitterness of the past behind and go on a winning run once again.