Ilunga Makabu set for WBC cruiserweight title defence in the Congo

Makabu aims for another defence in the Congo

Junior wants to fight in the Congo by June

World Boxing Council cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu (28-2, 25KOs) made his first successful title defense by knocking out Olanrewaju Durodola in the seventh round in late December in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and now the Congolese combatant wants another fight on home turf.

33-year-old Junior Makabu had a difficult path to achieve his world title dreams. In 2016, he fell short against Brit Tony Bellew, with the WBC Green and Gold Belt at stake. In spite of dropping Bellew to the canvas in the first round at Goodison Park, the stadium of Bellew's beloved Everton FC, an oversight by Makabu and an accurate blow from the 'Bomber' dished out defeat in round three.

However, Makabu did not give up. He had to start all over again to work his way to the world title, as he would not let a defeat destroy his dream.

After garnering major triumphs, his moment of consecration came on January 31, 2020, when Makabu defeated previously undefeated Michal Cieslak in a bout for the vacant cruiserweight world title.

Makabu showed that, despite having a setback, he fought and worked hard to overcome all obstacles until he achieved his greatest dream, to conquer the green and gold belt of the WBC, and is now undefeated in almost five years, is enjoying a nine-fight winning streak, and has made a successful defence of his WBC belt already.

The Governor of Haut-Katanga, one of the most important cities in the Republic of Congo, Jacques Kyabula Katwe, had a meeting with the champion Makabu and his team, where in addition to congratulating them for the achievements, he offered them all the support to carry out the next world title defence in his city, in the first half of the year.

Makabu Facts

In May 2020, he was ranked as the world's second best active cruiserweight by BoxRec; third by The Ring magazine; and fourth by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.

He is the older brother of heavyweight boxer Martin Bakole.

He was knocked out within 29 secoonds of his pro debut in June 2008 against South African boxer Khayeni Hlungwane.

Roll of Honour

WBF cruiserweight title
IBF Youth cruiserweight title
WBC Silver cruiserweight title
WBC International cruiserweight title
WBC World cruiserweight title

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