| Thulani "Sugarboy" Malinga | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Thulani Malinga |
| Nickname(s) | Sugarboy |
| Rated at | Middleweight Light Heavyweight Super Middleweight |
| Height | 5'9" |
| Nationality | South African |
| Born | December 11, 1955 Ladysmith, South Africa |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 57 |
| Wins | 44 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 13 |
Thulani "Sugarboy" Malinga (born December 11, 1955 in Ladysmith, South Africa, was a professional boxer in the Super Middleweight (168lb) division, and was twice WBC super middleweight champion.
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Known as "Sugar Boy", Malinga turned pro in 1981 after compiling an amateur Record of 185-10, beginning his career with a first-round T.K.O. of Victor Zulu on August 8, 1981. Malinga held several championship titles during a twenty year career as a Middleweight, Super Middleweight, and Light Heavyweight, fighting memorable bouts against Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, and Roy Jones Jr. among others.
In 1989 he got his first shot at a title, taking on IBF Super Middleweight Title holder Graciano Rocchigiani. Malinga lost a decision, and the next year took on Lindell Holmes again for the IBF Super Middleweight Title. He again lost via decision, and in 1992 got a shot at the WBO Super Middleweight Title against Chris Eubank, but Malinga was dropped in the 5th and lost a close decision. Three months later he was also to lose a close decision - by just half a point - against Nigel Benn. After many fights in his native South Africa - and a further loss, by KO to Roy Jones Jr. in the US - he landed another shot at the title, against Benn, now the reigning WBC Super Middleweight Title holder. Malinga scored an upset against Benn (despite suffering a knockdown) to win the title, but lost the title in his first defense against Vincenzo Nardiello. He regained the belt in his next fight, a decision win over Robin Reid (who had defeated Nardiello in his first defense of the title). Again, he lost the belt in his first defense, a decision loss to Richie Woodhall. He fought four more times, retiring after a suffering an eighth-round T.K.O. against Ole Klemetsen on January 14, 2000, finishing his career with 44 wins (20 by K.O.) and 13 losses.
| Preceded by Nigel Benn |
WBC Super Middleweight Champion 2 Mar 1996–6 Jul 1996 |
Succeeded by Vincenzo Nardiello |
| Preceded by Robin Reid |
WBC Super Middleweight Champion 19 Dec 1997–27 Mar 1998 |
Succeeded by Richie Woodhall |