Best fights of Thulani Malinga
Over 18 years as a professional, Thulani Malinga has compiled a 44-13 (19) record, including 29 title fights across three weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Thulani Malinga defeats Nigel Benn in their 2nd fight
On March 2, 1996 Thulani Malinga fought Nigel Benn for the WBC super middleweight title. It was their second meeting. Malinga was 40 years old with a record of 40-9, and Benn was 32 with a record of 42-2-1. Both Malinga and Benn were on a 5-fight winning streak. Malinga won via split decision. Crowned the new super middleweight champion.
2. Thulani Malinga defeats Robin Reid
On December 19, 1997 Thulani Malinga fought Robin Reid for the WBC super middleweight title. Malinga was 42 years old with a record of 41-10, and Reid was 26 with a record of 25-0-1. Malinga was coming off a loss, while Reid was on an undefeated 20-fight winning streak. Malinga won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new super middleweight champion.
3. Thulani Malinga loses to Chris Eubank via split decision
On February 1, 1992 Thulani Malinga fought Chris Eubank for the WBO super middleweight title. Malinga was 36 years old with a record of 33-6, and Eubank was 25 with a record of 29-0. Malinga was coming off a win and Eubank was on an undefeated 29-fight winning streak. Malinga lost via split decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Eubank.
4. Thulani Malinga loses to Nigel Benn via points decision
On May 23, 1992 Thulani Malinga faced Nigel Benn in a super middleweight bout. Malinga was 36 years old with a record of 33-7, and Benn was 28 with a record of 32-2. Malinga was coming off a loss, while Benn was on a 5-fight winning streak. Malinga lost via points decision. Went the distance with Benn.
5. Thulani Malinga loses to Vincenzo Nardiello via split decision
On July 6, 1996 Thulani Malinga defended his WBC super middleweight title against Vincenzo Nardiello. Malinga was 40 years old with a record of 41-9, and Nardiello was 30 with a record of 29-5. Malinga was on a 6-fight winning streak and Nardiello was coming off a win. Malinga lost via split decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Nardiello.
6. Thulani Malinga KOs Ray Acquaye
On August 14, 1994 Thulani Malinga fought Ray Acquaye for the vacant African Boxing Union super middleweight title. Malinga was 38 years old with a record of 36-9, and Acquaye was 0 with a record of 0-0. Malinga was coming off a win. Malinga stopped Ray Acquaye via TKO in the 5th round. Won the vacant title.
7. Thulani Malinga KOs Mohammed Isaacs
On February 20, 1994 Thulani Malinga defended his South African light heavyweight title against Mohammed Isaacs. Malinga was 38 years old with a record of 35-9, and Isaacs was 0 with a record of 0-0. Malinga was coming off a loss. Malinga stopped Mohammed Isaacs via KO in the 7th round. Defended the title.
8. Thulani Malinga KOs Soon Botes
On March 4, 1995 Thulani Malinga fought Soon Botes for the vacant South African super middleweight title. Malinga was 39 years old with a record of 38-9, and Botes was 0 with a record of 0-0. Malinga was on a 3-fight winning streak. Malinga stopped Soon Botes via TKO in the 7th round. Won the vacant title.
9. Thulani Malinga loses to Mads Larsen via KO
On March 19, 1999 Thulani Malinga defended his WBF (Federation) super middleweight title against Mads Larsen. Malinga was 43 years old with a record of 44-11, and Larsen was 26 with a record of 28-1. Malinga was on a 2-fight winning streak and Larsen was on a 16-fight winning streak. Larsen stopped Malinga via retirement in the 10th round. Lost the title. Lasted into the 10th round.
10. Thulani Malinga KOs Fredrik Alvarez
On June 5, 1998 Thulani Malinga fought Fredrik Alvarez for the vacant WBF (Federation) super middleweight title. Malinga was 42 years old with a record of 42-11, and Alvarez was 0 with a record of 0-0. Malinga was coming off a loss. Malinga stopped Fredrik Alvarez via TKO in the 11th round. Won the vacant title.