FORMER bantamweight World Champion Andrew Maloney has given high praise to local boxing standout Mikaele Ravalaca, forecasting a promising career ahead for the rising talent.
The two fighters competed at last Saturday’s Stratum Constructions ZEG Kings Boxing promotion, where Maloney saw firsthand Ravalaca’s boxing skills as he decisively stopped Australia’s rising star Francis “The Removalist” Chua in seven rounds.
“Its the first time I’ve seen Mika fight, and I said to my coach I’m really impressed with him, his very explosive, he is a very dangerous fighter and yeah I think he has the potential to be a world champion,” Maloney said.
Maloney stressed the importance of a strong support team around Ravalaca to guide him toward a world title opportunity.
“He just needs a bit more of experience, he needs to make sure to keep working hard and just keeps improving fight by fight.
“But having the right team around him is very, very important. He needs to make sure his managed properly and they get him the right fight to put him in the position to be world champion and make sure he learns along the way.”
At the same event, Maloney secured the WBA Bantamweight Oceania Interim title by stopping India’s Pawan Kumar in round five. He described the bout as a valuable preparation for his upcoming world title fight.
