Former SA champion Vusi Malinga will fight for IBF Bantamweight – Boxing news
Vusi Malinga, former SA champion, will be fighting for the vacant IBF bantamweight.
Nothing has been finalised yet but Malinga is the ultimate choice right now along with the Filipino AJ Banal. Both the fighters will meet shortly to finalise the event.
According to sources, the fight will to purse bids if promoters are unable to reach a contract.
To reach this stage, Malinga went through a tough time. He had faced the Filipino Michael Domingo in Mahikeng, on October 30, 2010, to beat him by points. Malinga belongs to South Africa with 20 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie in his portfolio. He has won 12 of
his fights with knockouts.
Previously, he was in line to meet the Mexican Abner Mares in ring for his title but before the bout could happen, Mares vacated the title. Moreover, his match against Mares was cancelled as when due to the rematch between Mares and Agbeko in December ordered
by IBF.
Unfortunately, Malinga went through unnecessary pain and long wait but now it seems like he is back on track. His promoter, Branco Milenkovic, recently said that Malinga has gone through enough and now it is time for him to get his title shot.
Now, Malinga might face AJ John Banal who has 26 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie in his portfolio along with 19 knockouts. To many, AJ is an easier opponent for Malinga than Mares. Mares is considered as the best fighter in the bantamweight division but luckily Malinga
won’t be facing him now.
Until 2008, AJ Banal had remained undefeated. He suffered his first loss at the hands of Rafael Concepcion in July 2008. AJ was knocked out in the 10th round by Rafael and the latter won the WBA super-flyweight title.
Nevertheless, Banal did not lose his spirit after the painful loss and created a streak of nine straight wins. AJ is being promoted by ALA Promotions, while Malinga is being promoted by Milenkovic. Both promoters are scheduled to meet soon to discuss the
possibilities of the fight and the venue for it. If things go well, Malinga will soon get his well deserved title shot.
Tags: