Makabu blasts Durodola in the seventh 

World Boxing Council cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu made the first successful defense of his title by knocking out Olanrewaju Durodola in the seventh round this Saturday night in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Makabu started with his jab keeping his rival at a distance. Then he more aggressive.

Durodola fought back and looked better in the third, tagging  Makabu, who was looking to strike back with countermanding power.

In the fourth and fifth rounds the champion made use of his great experience and managed to hurt Durodola with power punches.

In the sixth round the Nigerian fighter looked fatigued by the punishment received, which Makabu took advantage of and continue connecting.

The end came in round 7 when after an attack from Durodola, who was hoping to connect effectively, was countered by Makabu with a powerful left which sent him to the canvas. Despite his efforts to beat the count, he could not continue, as the referee saved him and stopped the fight.

Makabu improved his record to 28 wins with 25 knockouts and only 2 losses.

The supervisor of the combat was the vice president of the WBC, Tunisian Houcine Houichi.