Jackson Chauke out to maintain SA record in IBO flyweight title defence

The 39-year-old’s last loss to a local fighter in the flyweight division was to Lwandile Sityatha in a South African flyweight title fight at the Orient Theatre in East London back in 2013.

Coming up against Ricardo Malajika in his first defence of his world title at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park tonight, Chauke is confident of maintaining his proud record.

"I see myself taking that record forward because I haven't seen any other flyweight [fighter] that can beat me, they don't make them like us," said Chauke.

"Him being a junior bantamweight and moving to flyweight, too many people have tried it – even [Quaise] Khademi was moving from superfly to flyweight to try and become a world champion.

"[Malajika] is also moving from super flyweight to flywieght to become a two-division champion and I've been fighting guys that are undefeated and younger, so I'm not worried – when a challenge presents itself to me, I'm up for it."

A 2008 Olympian, Chauke admits respect for Malajika, whom he sees as a very balanced fighter, but says the 28-year-old will have to do the talking inside the ring.

"I think he's very strong mentally and physically, but like always, everyone I fight always wants to beat me, and like he said he wants to be the first guy to stop me," he added.

"He comes with determination and he comes ready, so that's why I say you guys are going to watch a good fight – if he is as good as they say he is, then you're going to see the best of him."

READ: SABC Sport message to boxing promoters