Makabu makes history in Kinshasa

Junior Ilunga Makabu became world cruiserweight champion of the World Boxing Council, defeating brave and resilient  Polish fighter Michal Cieslak, and in  a very emotional moment, Makabu present his belt to the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi.

“I know I had a difficult fight. I am happy to be able to achieve what I have been dreaming of for years and where better than to have done it in my country. I express my gratitude to the President of the Republic for having supported this fight to take place in Kinshasa in front of all my people. I take this opportunity to thank General Luyoyo, who is my promoter and the President of the Boxing Federation. I cannot forget the man who worked hard throughout my career Tarik Saadi, who helped me fulfill my mission. I am happy because I wrote a story that has never existed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“In terms of the fight, I was very well prepared technically. The date of the fight had been changed three times. I faced an opponent who was never defeated and I had to fight with intelligence using all my experience to win.

“I must continue working to continue improving and defending my Green and Gold belt.”

The Vice President of the WBC, Houcine Houichi, who was present as combat supervisor, presented a replica of the green and gold belt to President Tshisekedi, recognizing his efforts on developing  boxing in this region.