12/06/2026
**CAFU RETURNS ON AUGUST 1ST**
It has now been confirmed by Boxing 5 Promotions that on the 1st of August, Phumelela “The Truth” Cafu will be making his long-awaited comeback in Gauteng.
With the news that Jesse “Bam” Rodríguez has moved up to the 118lb division, this leaves endless possibilities for Cafu, who will need to get back in the winning column to have another run at being a world champion.
Hard at work in the Hot Box Gym this week, Cafu was setting a blistering pace on the mitts with trainer Chris Morrow and was heard yelling, “No one is safe,” between the intervals—suggesting that he is locked in and ready to become a two-time world champion. What’s interesting about Cafu’s return to the ring is that he and his team have decided to stay at the 115lb division, which is absolutely buzzing with talent in South Africa.
It was announced that Ricardo Malajika is challenging for the vacant WBC world title, and that Cafu’s stablemate, Sikho Nqothole—who recently upset Charlie Edwards to win the final eliminator for the IBF—is now the mandatory challenger for newly crowned champion Andrew Maloney from Australia. He will be in line to contest for the title in the not-too-distant future.
We could be looking at three South Africans being world champions in the same division, with various sanctioning bodies. This bodes well for the future of the sport here in the country, with South Africa clearly having the talent and connections for this to be a reality.
With Cafu headlining the 1st of August, it has also been announced that one of South Africa’s highly touted prospects, Tiisetso Matikinca—who recently defected from his previous management to join NO DOUBT Management—will contest for the IBF Continental Africa Bantamweight title in the main support bout over 10 rounds.
Unbeaten in 10 fights, the southpaw Matikinca has been yearning for his chance to have a belt strapped around his waist—now he will get his chance on the 1st of August.
Stay tuned for further announcements, including a stacked undercard from Boxing 5 Promotions.
Issued by: NO DOUBT Management
2026-06-11
