Malcolm Klassen
Posted 12:00 AM | Aug 22, 2009
| Weight Class: | Super Featherweight |
| Record: | 24 Wins | 5 Losses | 15 KOs |
| Hometown: | Gauteng, South Africa |
| Birthdate: | December 03, 1981 |
| Height: | 5' 4½" |
Hailing from Toekomsrus, Gauteng, South Africa, Malcolm Klassen is the latest in the line of hard-nosed South African fighters to ascend to the peak of the boxing mountain. And though he follows an impressive array of world champions from his country, the IBF junior lightweight champion certainly has the talent and determination to take his place among the best of the best.
Known for his blazing combinations and ring savvy, Klassen turned pro on May 22, 1999 with a four round decision win over Stevens Moeketsane. He stayed busy in the early years of his career, and after a three fight string in 1999-2000 that saw him go 0-2-1, he hit his stride, building a 14-3-2 pro record that earned him a 2005 shot at the vacant South African featherweight title against Edward Mpofu. And 12 rounds after the August 31, 2005 bout ended, Klassen had a 12 round split decision win and his first pro title.
In 2006, he defended the crown three times over Lindile Tyhali (TKO3), Willie Mabasa (W12), and Manelisi Mbilase (TKO4) before outpointing Gairy St. Clair over 12 rounds on November 4, 2006 to earn a shot at the IBF super featherweight crown against countryman Mzonke Fana.
That world title fight on April 20, 2007, saw Fana eke out a 12 round split decision win, but Klassen rebounded quickly, knocking out old rival Edward Mpofu in five rounds three months later. After two more wins over Pablo Oliveto (TKO5) and Joel Dela Cruz (KO7), Klassen faced his toughest test to date against former world champion Manuel Medina on August 29, 2008. But "Stone" made quick work of Medina, stopping him in just two rounds.
The victory put him in line for another IBF super featherweight title shot, this one against his stablemate Cassius Baloyi on April 18, 2009. Klassen even had to give up his trainer Nick Durandt, who had trained both men and opted to work Baloyi's corner. Despite these obstacles, Klassen went to war with Baloyi, stopping the legendary South African champion in the seventh round.
Now ready to defend his title against all comers, Klassen will face Robert 'The Ghost' Guerrero on August 22, 2009.