Mzansi magic at Emperors Palace as Malajika reigns, Knapp redeems and Tutsheni triumphs
Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika, dazzling in pink trunks, delivered a career-defining performance as he dismantled Jayson Mama of the Philippines in five ruthless rounds to retain his IBO junior bantamweight world title for the fifth time at Emperors palace, South Africa, on Saturday night. From the opening bell, Malajika was in complete control, his jab slicing through Mama’s guard and setting up a devastating right hand that repeatedly sent the challenger crashing to the canvas.
Mama, known for his durability and pedigree, had never been stopped before, but Malajika’s relentless pressure and precision proved too much. Four knockdowns later, the referee waved it off, cementing Malajika’s growing reputation as a force few in the division can handle.
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On the undercard, Roarke “Razor” Knapp returned with vengeance, eager to erase the memory of his last outing.
He did so emphatically, dispatching Juan Rick Carcedo in the third round of their junior middleweight clash. Knapp’s body shots were brutal, his speed electric, and although a low blow briefly interrupted the action, he quickly regained composure and finished the job with a venomous right hand that left Carcedo unable to continue. Knapp’s hunger is back, and so is his place among the division’s rising stars.
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With three women’s bouts on the Women’s Day undercard, Simamkele Tutsheni proved the star turn.
A firefighter by day and warrior by night, she lit up the ring with a commanding performance against Caleigh Swart to claim the IBO super bantamweight Africa title. Her sharp jab and slick movement kept Swart guessing, while her pink-dyed hair added flair to a night where she boxed with poise and power.
Swart had her moments, especially behind a high guard and with switch-hitting tactics, but Tutsheni’s energy and output proved too much. The judges scored it convincingly in Tutsheni’s favor, crowning her a deserving champion on a night celebrating women’s strength and resilience.
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In the heavyweight division, Juan Alberts delivered a thunderous second-round stoppage of Ghana’s Philip Tetteh, who entered the ring with a perfect knockout record (8-0, 8KOs). That streak ended abruptly as Alberts unleashed a 15-punch barrage that left Tetteh dazed and defenseless.
Despite Tetteh’s early aggression, Alberts found his rhythm quickly, his jab and right hand combining to devastating effect. The Ghanaian somehow stayed upright through the onslaught, but the referee had seen enough: Alberts had made his statement.
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Earlier in the evening, Sibulele Soboois outclassed Lee-Ann Jansen van Vuuren over four rounds in their junior flyweight bout, while Tyla Promnick earned a solid win against Noxolo Magagula in a strawweight contest.
