Bantamweight belt up for grabs at Emperors Palace

Former triple world boxing champion Isaac “Angel” Hlatshwayo is tipping Landile “Man Down” Ngxeke to emerge victorious against Charlton “Baby Pain” Malajika when the two fight for the IBO bantamweight belt at Emperors Palace, in Johannesburg, on November 21.

“Ngxeke has got more experience. He might even win the fight with a late stoppage,” said the former IBO lightweight and IBF and IBO welterweight champ.

Hlatshwayo is backing Ngxeke against his former trainer, Manny Fernandes, who is now in Malajika’s corner, in the Golden Gloves four-title championship event titled “Grudge Night – All In”.

Ngxeke is currently being trained by Colin “Nomakanjani” Nathan.

“Once Ngxeke puts Malajika on the back foot, I foresee danger,” said Hlatshwayo.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for Ngxeke. A win means more fights, and you know very well that Colin is connected internationally.

“Ngxeke must just take his A-game to the fight — use his reach and height, keep Malajika at bay with his jab, throw a variety of punches and move from side to side.

“Then he will be home and dry,” said Hlatshwayo.

“Ngxeke must be brave. I know how good Malajika is, but I think Ngxeke will win on November 21. I hope to be there.”

Ngxeke, the 31-year-old reigning SA junior bantamweight champ, has previously held the African Boxing Union’s IBO Intercontinental junior bantamweight title and the WBO global bantamweight belt.

He has 17 wins, two losses and a draw. Malajika, 25, is the IBO Youth champ with nine wins, a loss and a draw.