Former bantamweight World Champion Andrew Maloney has extended high praise towards the rising boxing star Mikaele Ravalaca, predicting a promising future for the young fighter. These commendations were made during the Stratum Constructions ZEG Kings Boxing event, where Ravalaca impressed the crowd 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 commented. “He is very explosive and a dangerous fighter. I believe he has the potential to become a world champion.” He underscored the critical role of having a strong support team to guide Ravalaca as he aims for championship opportunities.
While recognizing Ravalaca’s evident talent, Maloney emphasized the importance of gaining experience and maintaining a rigorous training regimen for the fighter’s development. “Having the right management is very important to ensure he gets the right fights and learns along the way,” he added.
In a noteworthy sequence of events, Maloney himself claimed the WBA Bantamweight Oceania Interim title that same evening, achieving a fifth-round stoppage against India’s Pawan Kumar. He regarded this bout as essential preparation for his upcoming title challenge.
Ravalaca’s recent performance not only showcases his growing skills in the boxing world but also provides hope for aspiring athletes from Fiji. His journey signifies a positive trajectory in Fijian boxing, gaining increased recognition on the global stage and inspiring a new generation of talent in the sport.