KEMPTON PARK — Ricardo Malajika made the unusual move to drop from junior bantamweight to flyweight where he'll face Jackson Chauke.

Both men were comfortably inside the 112-pound weight limit at today's weigh in. Chauke, the reigning IBO 112-pound titlist, weighed in at 111.7; while Malajika, the current IBF 115-pound beltholder, looked in fantastic shape and tipped the scales at 111.5.

The local bragging rights are very much on the line between two of the top fighters in the country at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa, tomorrow night.

Chauke (24-2-2, 15 knockouts), was a standout amateur, winning silver at the 2006 Commonwealth games and also represented his country at the 2007 World Championships and 2008 Olympics. He has been a professional since 2008. He lost to Lwandile Sityatha (UD 12) in 2013, when he tried to win the national title. He struggled to get fights over the next couple of years.

The now 40-year-old scored an important win in Russia beating Mekhdi Abdurashedov (UD 10) in 2019. He claimed the national title after being a professional for over a decade by edging past Luyanda Ntwanambi (MD 12) and had two close run battles with future WBO 115-pound titlist Phumelela Cafu (D 10/ L SD 12). In his last fight, Chauke beat Quaise Khademi (UD 12) for the vacant IBO title in January 2024.

Meanwhile, Malajika (14-2, 10 KOs) turned professional in 2018. He showed early promise before twice coming unstuck against Sabelo Ngebinyana (L SD 8) and Sikho Nqothole (L UD 8).

The 26-year-old bounced back strongly and has beaten Kevin Munoz (UD 12), Marcel Braithwaite (UD 12) and compatriot Yanga Sigqibo (KO 11).

In chief support, at junior middleweight Brandon Thysse (17-4-1, 13 KOs) weighed 153.6 and his opponent Charles Shinima (18-1, 12 KOs) of Namibia came in a little lighter at 153.4.

There will be a four-man tournament at light heavyweight dubbed "Rising Titans"

Brian Thysse (5-0, 2 KOs), Germiston, South Africa 173.6 vs. Tuvia Wewege (5-2), Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 173.6.

Bonginkosi Nhlapo (3-1-1, 1 KO), South Africa, vs. Micheal Head (2-1-1, 1 KO), Gauteng, South Africa, 173.9

In strawweight action, Tyla Promnick, Johannesburg, South Africa, (1-0, 1 KO) will take on debutant Emma Mohono, Free State.