Former bantamweight World Champion Andrew Maloney has expressed high praise for rising boxing talent Mikaele Ravalaca, foreseeing a bright future for the fighter. Maloney’s commendations came during the Stratum Constructions ZEG Kings Boxing event, where he witnessed Ravalaca showcase his skills by decisively stopping Australia’s Francis “The Removalist” Chua in the seventh round.
“This was the first time I’ve seen Mika fight, and I told my coach I was really impressed with him,” Maloney stated. “He is very explosive and a dangerous fighter. I believe he has the potential to become a world champion.” He emphasized the importance of having a strong support team to help Ravalaca progress toward championship opportunities.
Maloney noted that while Ravalaca shows great promise, gaining more experience and continuing to train diligently are crucial for his development. He stressed, “Having the right management is very important to ensure he gets the right fights and learns along the way.”
At the same event, Maloney secured the WBA Bantamweight Oceania Interim title with a fifth-round stoppage of India’s Pawan Kumar, considering the bout as valuable preparation for an upcoming title fight.
Ravalaca’s recent performance not only highlights his growing prowess in the boxing arena but also serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes from Fiji, affirming that diligence and skill can pave the way for success. His journey reflects a positive trend in Fijian boxing, with increasing recognition on the international stage, encouraging a new wave of talent to emerge within the sport.