Keeping track: Makabu vs. Mchunu

The World Boxing Council cruiserweight champion, Ilunga Junior Makabu, will be defendingi his title, against the number one challenger, the WBC Silver champion, Thabiso Mchunu, in the main bout on Saturday, January 29, in the “W.D. Packard Music Hall” in Warren, Ohio, promoted by the legendary Don King.

Don King, who represents Makabu, reached an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives to carry out this long-awaited rematch , since the winner will get a fight against the great Mexican champion, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, in May. An opportunity requested by Eddy Reynoso, trainer and manager of Canelo, at the recent WBC Convention.

Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs), who is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, defended his championship in his hometown of Kinshasa when he stopped Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola with two solid left hooks in the seventh round in December 2020.

Thabiso (23-5, 13 KOs) from South Africa and nicknamed “The Rock”, became the WBC silver champion, defeating Denis Lebedev by unanimous decision on December 21, 2019.

The fight will be broadcast on PPV at the following link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/don-king-homecoming-at-last/2pap8

The two presented a series of requirements that the WBC has implemented for years with the intention of protecting fighters.

The World Boxing Council recognizes the professionalism of the champion, the challenger, and their respective teams, since they have complied with all the medical requirements, medical exams, weigh-ins and security protocols that the body requests.

We wish them the best of luck in their fight this Saturday, which will undoubtedly be a great battle.