Makabu new WBC cruiserweight champion

Earlier today  in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in its  first world title fight  in 45 years,  local hero Ilunga Makabu (27-2, 24 KOs) conquered the World Boxing Council cruiserweight belt, defeating the previously unbeaten Polish fighter, Michal Cieslak (19-1, 13 KOs).

The fight began with plenty  of action. Makabu taking the initiative and seeking to land power shots on Cieslak, who was moving around the ring looking to strike back.

In the fourth round Makabu knocked Cieslak down with a hard left right combination and even though he seemed not to be in good condition, his bravery helped him to get through to the bell.

In the next round, Cieslak scored a knock down.

Makabu placed a glove on the canvas, forcing Referee Michael Griffin to toll a protection count.

The rest of the fight became very competitive, but Ilunga’s greater strength and power prevailed.

The judges’ scores were: Omar Mintum 114-112, Carlos Flores 115-111 and Humberto Olivares 116-111, all in favor of “Junior” Makabu.

The fight supervisor was Tunisian Houcine Houcichi, Vice President of the WBC.