Ricardo Malajika withdraws from IBF Eliminator against Nqothole

According to a press release issued by No Doubt Management, former WBC flyweight champion from the UK, Charlie Edwards will replace Malajika in the battle for a title shot. 

There was talk that the fight between Malajika and Nqothole would happen after the IBF’s order and subsequent truce between promoters Colin Nathan and Rodney Berman, but nothing is guaranteed in boxing.  

The South African public may have to wait a lot longer to witness the rematch, but in the meantime, ‘Sequence’ will fancy his chances against Charlie Edwards.

Nathan, who manages Nqothole, has given his thoughts on what could be a memorable matchup against Edwards.

“I have experience of working with Edwards' team, and it’s going to be great to work with them for this contest, wherever the fight ends up [happening],” said Nathan. 

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Meanwhile, Boxing 5 Promotions CEO, and promoter of Nqothole, Larry Wainstein sounded optimistic about his fighter’s chances.

“I think 'Sequence' would have beaten Maljika again, but this is a way more high-profile fight. I think he stands a very good chance of beating Edwards,” added Wainstein. 

It remains to be seen what Malajika’s next move will be, but Nqothole remains on the path to fight for the IBF Crown. 

At the start of this process, the IBF had ordered that Malajika must face former world champion Kenshiro Teraji in the elimination bout, but the Japanese pulled out of the negotiations.

Now that Malajika’s team have ruled him out, fight fans can only hope to see this IBF Eliminator take place without any further delays or withdrawals.