Malul is a hard-punching 23 year old from Queens, New York. His record stands at 4-0 with 2 KOs. After a quick start to his career, Malul has fought only once in fourteen months. That was a dominant decision victory against Colin Huntington last November.
Spalding, a 27 year old with a record of 1-4-1 (1 KO) is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. A game fighter who constantly throws punches, he has the guts of a burglar. Ten years ago, he was charged with stealing bows and arrows from an archery store and selling the loot on Craigslist.
Spalding has since turned his life around. He has been drug free for over seven years and just got off parole after serving time. Recently engaged, he is gainfully employed. He turned pro in 2024 and fought all of his six career bouts that year. His willingness to trade leaves Spalding open for counters. Defensively, he relies on a good chin, but it’s more limestone than granite as he’s been stopped three times.
Spalding is listed as 5’9″, but if he is that tall, he doesn’t fight like it. He appeared shorter than 5’9″ Justin Lacey-Pierce and a similar height as 5’6″ Ramsey Vesey Jr. in their contests. After the Lacey-Pierce fight, Spalding was suspended for 90 days and fined $400 by the Michigan commission for an undisclosed violation. Boxing is so decentralized that he fought twice in other states within that span.
Because of his punch output, Spalding has a chance early in the fight, but Malul should find openings. Spalding’s right doesn’t protect his chin when he throws the left. Though Malul’s best punch is an overhand right, the left hook could be the key here, particularly when set up by a right to the body.
This bout is scheduled for four rounds.