ONE-TIME world title contender Jonas Sultan returns to South Africa and takes on unbeaten South African prospect Ricardo Malajika on Feb. 29, 2020 for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental super flyweight belt at the Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg.
This is a very crucial fight for the 28-year-old Sultan, because a win should catapult him back into the world rankings and possibly another world title fight soon.
“This is very important for Jonas so that he can fight for a world title again,” said ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor.
Sultan fought for a world title back in 2018 when he challenged IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas in an all-Filipino world title fight. However, he lost to Ancajas via a lopsided unanimous decision in Fresno, California.
After losing to Ancajas, Sultan went 2-1 and dropped out of the world rankings. His wins were against veteran Ardin Diale and Salatiel Amit, while his loss was against Athenkosi Dumezweni by unanimous decision.
Sultan stopped Makazole Tete in the second round of their IBF Intercontinental super flyweight title fight in South Africs in 2016.
Malajika was busy in 2019 and won all four of his fights. He is coming off an eighth round technical knockout of previously unbeaten Mnqobi Mkhize on Nov. 30, 2019.
Sultan will be scheduled to spar with former world champion Milan Melindo, KJ Cataraja and Esneth Domingo. (EKA)