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Ilunga Makabu

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Ilunga Makabu Jr.
Born
Junior Ilunga Makabu

(1987-11-08) 8 November 1987 (age 37)
Kananga, Zaire
Other namesThe Junior
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Reach188 cm (74 in)
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights33
Wins29
Wins by KO25
Losses4

Junior Ilunga Makabu (born 8 November 1987) is a Congolese-South African professional boxer. He held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2020 to 2023.

As of June 2022, he is ranked as the world's second-best active cruiserweight by BoxRec,[1] and Fourth by The Ring magazine,[2] and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.[3] He is the older brother of heavyweight boxer Martin Bakole.[4]

Professional career

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Early career

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His professional career began on 20 June 2008, when he lost four round bouts fighting (by technical knockout in the first round) with the South African boxer Khayeni Hlungwane. The fight was held at the Carousel Hotel & Casino in Temba in the province of North-West. On September 13, 2008, he achieved his first victory, defeating by technical knockout in the first round the representative of Zimbabwe Elvis Moyo. On 19 November 2011 he faced Brazilian Pedro Otas. A twelve-round fight was organized at Monte Casino in Johannesburg, starring Michael Buffer. The dominant Makabu ended the duel by technical knockout in the eleventh round.

WBC Silver cruiserweight champion

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Makabu vs. Kudryashov

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Makabu was scheduled to fight Dmitry Kudryashov for the vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title on June 16, 2019, at the KRK Uralets in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The two fighters had a combined 46 knockouts in 47 total fights, which led many media outlets to predict that the fight would end in a finish.[5][6] Makabu won the fight by a fifth-round technical knockout. Although Kudryashov wasn't knocked down, the stream of undefended punches near the end of the fifth round forced the referee to step in and stop the bout.[7]

Makabu vs. Papin

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On July 12, 2019, rumors surfaced that Makabu would defend his WBC Silver title against the undefeated Alexei Papin, who was the #14 ranked IBF cruiserweight contender.[8] On July 30, the WBC confirmed that the fight would take place on the Sergey Kovalev vs. Anthony Yarde undercard, on August 24, 2019, at the Traktor Sport Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia.[9] Makabu won the fight by majority decision, with two judges scoring the fight 115–113 in his favor, while the third judge scored it as a 113–113 draw. Papin flagged in the mid-rounds, and was nearly finished in the eight round and twelfth rounds.[10]

WBC cruiserweight champion

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Makabu vs. Cieślak

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Makabu was scheduled to face the undefeated Michał Cieślak for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title on January 31, 2020, at the Temporary Arena in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cieślak was originally scheduled to fight Nuri Seferi on December 20, 2019, before he withdrew from that bout to face Makabu for the WBC title on January 18, 2020. Cieslak was ranked #2 by the WBC at cruiserweight.[11] However, due to some disagreements between Makabu and the WBC, the fight was postponed to January 31.[12] Cieślak faced further problems on the day before the fight, as both he and his promoters were robbed at the hotel they were staying at in Kinshasa.[13]

Cieślak had a great start to the fight and appeared close to finishing Makabu in the third round, only for the round to end a full minute early. Makabu rebounded in the fourth round, knocking Cieślak down with two heavy blows, one of which was a blatant uncalled rabbit punch. Cieślak returned the favor in the fifth round, as Makabu was ruled to be in a state of knockdown after he touched the canvas with his glove. Makabu was awarded the unanimous decision after twelve rounds, with scores of 114–112, 115–111 and 116–111.[14]

Makabu vs. Durodola

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Makabu made his first defense of his WBC cruiserweight title against the reigning African cruiserweight champion Olanrewaju Durodola at the Studio Mama Angebi in Kinshasa, Congo.[15] Durodola was ranked #3 by the WBC at cruiserweight.[16] He won the fight by a come-from-behind seventh-round knockout. Makabu appeared to be down on the scorecards after the first six rounds were fought, but rallied back to knock Durodola down with a pair of left hooks with a minute to go in the seventh round. Although Durodola managed to beat the eight-count, the referee nonetheless decided to wave off the fight.[17]

Makabu vs. Mchunu

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At the WBC Convention on 15 November 2021 in Mexico City, the organization approved the request of Canelo Álvarez's trainer and manager, Eddy Reynoso, to have Álvarez challenge Makabu for his WBC cruiserweight title. Álvarez has never competed at cruiserweight, so Reynoso needed to petition the WBC to order the title fight. The cruiserweight limit was 200 pounds, but it had recently been reduced to 190 pounds due to the introduction of bridgerweight. The fight was expected to take place in May 2022.[18][19][20][21]

Makabu was instead booked to make the second defense of his WBC title against mandatory challenger Thabiso Mchunu on January 29, 2022, at the Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio.[22] Mchunu was the number 1 ranked cruiserweight by the WBC and fourth best cruiserweight in the world according to The Ring magazine.[23] The winner of the bout was granted permission to face Canelo Álvarez by the WBC, at the request of Alvarez's team.[24] The fight headlined a Don King promoted card, which was independently broadcast on Fite TV. Makabu won the fight by split decision. Two of the judge scored the bout in his favor (115–113 and 116–112), while the third judge scored it 115–113 for Mchunu.[25] The split decision was seen as controversial, as many news outlets scored the fight for Mchunu.[26][27][28][29] However, Makabu was confident that he had done enough to secure the victory and called out the undisputed super middleweight champion Saul Alvarez in his post-fight interview, stating: "My next fight is with Saul Canelo - I'm going to box and knock you out".[30]

Makabu vs. Jack

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Makabu was expected to make his third title defense against the WBA (Regular) cruiserweight champion Ryad Merhy. The fight was scheduled as the main event of a card which took place September 30, 2022, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, Congo.[31] On July 19, 2022, Merhy was ordered by the WBA to face their "Super" cruiserweight champion Arsen Goulamirian,[32] while Merhy stated his desire to move up to bridgerweight on August 8, as he was finding it difficult to make the cruiserweight limit.[33]

On December 9, it was revealed that Makabu would make his third title defense against the WBC Silver champion Noel Mikaelian. The bout was expected to take place at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Miami, Florida, on January 21, 2023.[34] The fight was postponed on January 5, 2023, for undisclosed reasons.[35] Makabu was instead scheduled to defend his title against the two-weight world champion Badou Jack on February 26, 2023, on the Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury undercard.[36] Makabu lost the fight by a twelfth-round technical knockout.[37]

Later cruiserweight career

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Makabu vs. Mikaelian

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On September 17, 2023, it was revealed that the reigning WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack had vacated his title in order to contest the sanctioning body's bridgerweight championship. Don King Promotions announced, one week later, that Makabu would face the mandatory challenger Noel Mikaelian for the now vacant belt.[38][39] The fight took place on November 4, 2023, at the Casino Miami Jai Alai in Miami, Florida.[40] Makabu lost the fight by a third-round technical knockout.[41]

Professional boxing record

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33 fights 29 wins 4 losses
By knockout 25 4
By decision 4 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
33 Loss 29–4 Noel Mikaelian TKO 3 (12), 1:00 4 Nov 2023 Casino Miami Jai Alai, Miami, Florida, U.S. For vacant WBC cruiserweight title
32 Loss 29–3 Badou Jack TKO 12 (12), 0:54 26 Feb 2023 Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia Lost WBC cruiserweight title
31 Win 29–2 Thabiso Mchunu SD 12 29 Jan 2022 Packard Music Hall, Warren, Ohio, U.S. Retained WBC cruiserweight title
30 Win 28–2 Olanrewaju Durodola TKO 7 (12), 0:55 19 Dec 2020 Studio Mama Angebi, Kinshasa, Congo Retained WBC cruiserweight title
29 Win 27–2 Michał Cieślak UD 12 31 Jan 2020 Temporary Arena, Kinshasa, Congo Won vacant WBC cruiserweight title
28 Win 26–2 Alexei Papin MD 12 24 Aug 2019 Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia Retained WBC Silver cruiserweight title
27 Win 25–2 Dmitry Kudryashov TKO 5 (12), 2:36 16 Jun 2019 KRK Uralets, Yekaterinburg, Russia Won vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title
26 Win 24–2 Giorgi Tevdorashvili KO 2 (10), 1:55 8 Dec 2018 Euskirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
25 Win 23–2 Paata Aduashvili KO 2 (8) 26 Oct 2018 Salle du Monte d’Or, Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, France
24 Win 22–2 Taylor Mabika RTD 4 (12), 3:00 22 Sep 2018 Grand Hôtel de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo Won WBC International cruiserweight title
23 Win 21–2 Mussa Ajibu KO 4 (8) 25 Aug 2017 Rainbow Towers Conference Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
22 Win 20–2 Chamunorwa Gonorenda KO 5 (10) 28 Apr 2017 Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa
21 Loss 19–2 Tony Bellew KO 3 (12), 1:20 29 May 2016 Goodison Park, Liverpool, England For vacant WBC cruiserweight title
20 Win 19–1 Thabiso Mchunu KO 11 (12), 1:56 26 May 2015 International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa
19 Win 18–1 Tamas Bajzath TKO 3 (10), 2:15 05 Dec 2014 Centre Sportif Obercorn, Differdange, Luxembourg
18 Win 17–1 Glen Johnson TKO 9 (12), 2:40 28 Jun 2014 Grand Hôtel de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo Won WBC International cruiserweight title
17 Win 16–1 Ruben Angel Mino KO 2 (10), 1:53 01 Feb 2014 Salle des Étoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco
16 Win 15–1 Eric Fields KO 5 (12), 1:59 31 Aug 2013 Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa Retained WBC Silver cruiserweight title
15 Win 14–1 Dmytro Kucher MD 12 13 Jul 2013 Salle des Étoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco Won vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title
14 Win 13–1 Tamas Lodi TKO 3 (10), 1:29 30 Mar 2013 Salle des Étoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco
13 Win 12–1 Gogita Gorgiladze TKO 4 (10), 1:49 16 Feb 2013 Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa Won vacant IBF Youth cruiserweight title
12 Win 11–1 Michael Gbenga TKO 5 (8), 2:53 24 Apr 2012 Carnival City Casino, Brakpan, South Africa
11 Win 10–1 Pedro Otas TKO 11 (12), 2:54 19 Nov 2011 Monte Casino, Johannesburg, South Africa Won vacant WBF cruiserweight title
10 Win 9–1 Collice Mutizwa KO 1 (6) 11 Jun 2011 Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa
9 Win 8–1 Nsitu Mbaya KO 1 (6) 26 Mar 2011 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
8 Win 7–1 Danie Venter TKO 6 (6) 30 Oct 2010 Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
7 Win 6–1 Elvis Moyo TKO 2 (6) 27 Mar 2010 Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa
6 Win 5–1 Ben Moakamela TKO 2 (6) 07 Mar 2010 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
5 Win 4–1 Chamunorwa Gonorenda TKO 2 (6) 26 Feb 2010 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
4 Win 3–1 Sean Santana TKO 3 (6) 03 Jul 2009 Nirvana Secondary School, Lenasia, South Africa
3 Win 2–1 Nicholas Ramantswana TKO 1 (4) 18 Oct 2008 Park Station Concourse, Johannesburg, South Africa
2 Win 1–1 Elvis Moyo TKO 1 (4) 13 Sep 2008 Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa
1 Loss 0–1 Khayeni Hlungwane TKO 1 (4), 0:29 20 Jun 2008 Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "BoxRec: Cruiserweight ratings". boxrec.com. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  2. ^ "Ratings". The Ring. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  3. ^ "Rankings – Transnational Boxing Rankings Board". Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  4. ^ Dooley, Terence (31 July 2017). "Martin Ilunga Targets Tony Bellew: I Want To Avenge My Brother!". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  5. ^ Magasela, Bongani. "Crippling power comes head to head when Makabu takes on Kudryashov". timeslive.co.za. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  6. ^ Flexen, Danny (9 June 2019). "Dmitry Kudryashov vs Ilunga Makabu: Full preview and TV channel". secondsout.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  7. ^ Wainwright, Anson. "Ilunga Makabu stops Dmitry Kudryashov in five, world title shot beckons". ringtv.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  8. ^ "Russian cruiserweight boxer Papin to face Congo's Makabu on August 24". tass.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  9. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (30 July 2019). "Ilunga Makabu-Aleksei Papin joins Sergey Kovalev-Anthony Yarde on August 24th". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  10. ^ Idec, Keith (24 August 2019). "Makabu Beats Russia's Papin On Points On Kovalev-Yarde Card". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  11. ^ "Makabu vs Cieslak - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  12. ^ "Ilunga Makabu - Michał Cieślak: Na wariackich papierach". rp.pl. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  13. ^ Dębek, Tomasz (30 January 2020). "Skandal przed walką Cieślak - Makabu. Promotorzy Polaka obrabowani w hotelu. "Pozdrawiamy z dzikiego kraju"". sportowy24.pl. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  14. ^ Donovan, Jake (31 January 2020). "Ilunga Makabu Surges Past Michal Cieslak To Claim WBC Cruiserweight Title". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  15. ^ "Boxing: Congo's Makabu, Nigeria's Durodola battle for WBC Cruiserweight belt". africanews.com. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  16. ^ "Makabu vs Durodola - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  17. ^ Bonnett, Derek (22 December 2020). "Ilunga Makabu struggles before stopping Olanrewaju Durodola". secondsout.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  18. ^ "Canelo gets OK to chase title in fifth weight class". ESPN. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  19. ^ "Canelo Alvarez to fight WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu in bid to become a five-division titleholder". CNN. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  20. ^ Sam, Doric. "Canelo Alvarez vs. Ilunga Makabu Cruiserweight Title Fight Approved by WBC". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  21. ^ "WBC approves Canelo Alvarez's jump to take on Ilunga Makabu for cruiserweight title". 17 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  22. ^ Salazar, Francisco (8 January 2022). "Ilunga Makabu-Thabiso Mchunu official for January 29, Trevor Bryan added to card". ringtv.com. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  23. ^ "Makabu vs Mchunu II - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  24. ^ Rivera, Miguel (1 December 2021). "WBC Prez: Makabu-Mchunu Winner Will Go Against Canelo". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  25. ^ Donovan, Jake (30 January 2022). "Ilunga Makabu Edges Thabiso Mchunu Via Split Decision, Retains WBC Title And Calls For Canelo". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  26. ^ Rold, Cliff (31 January 2022). "Makabu Escapes To Keep Canelo Hopes Alive: Weekend Afterthoughts". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  27. ^ Isaacson, David (30 January 2022). "Mchunu loses to Makabu on a controversial split decision". sowetanlive.co.za. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  28. ^ Binoy, Allan (30 January 2022). "Ilunga Makabu secures controversial win over Thabiso Mchunu, vows to beat Canelo Alvarez next". sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  29. ^ "Ilunga Makabu kontroverznom sudačkom odlukom obranio je pojas u cruiseru, a zatim je prozvao Canela". fightsite.hr. 30 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  30. ^ "Ilunga Makabu eyes Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez clash after retaining cruiserweight crown". bbc.com. 30 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  31. ^ "Boxe : Le combat de Junior Ilunga Makabu contre Ryad Merhy confirmé pour le 30 septembre au stade des Martyrs". acturdc.com. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  32. ^ Boxingscene Staff (19 July 2022). "Santa Cruz Ordered To Face Wood, Goulamirian Must Fight Merhy". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  33. ^ Persson, Per Ake (8 August 2022). "Ryad Merhy May Move Up in Weight, Fight With Makabu is Now Off". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  34. ^ Random Hits (9 December 2022). "Ilunga Makabu vs. Noel Mikaelian Set For January 21 in Miami, Florida". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  35. ^ Boxingscene Staff (5 January 2023). "Guidry vs. Stiverne Now Tops Don King Card on Jan. 21, Makabu-Mikaelian is Off". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  36. ^ Hayad, Sife (28 January 2023). "Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury undercard to feature unexpected Ilunga Makabu vs Badou Jack world title match on Feb 26 in Saudi Arabia". sportszion.com. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  37. ^ Christ, Scott (26 February 2023). "Paul vs Fury highlights and results: Badou Jack upsets Ilunga Junior Makabu to win world title in third weight class". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  38. ^ Eaton, Tom (17 September 2023). "Badou Jack Vacates WBC Cruiserweight Title And Fight For Vacant Belt Announced". boxing-social.com. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  39. ^ Persson, Per Ake (24 September 2023). "Euro News: Badou Jack, Wallin vs. Gassiev, Prat vs. Spomer, Zeuge, More". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  40. ^ Christ, Scott (15 October 2023). "Adrien Broner return moved to Dec. 2, WBC cruiserweight title fight headlines Nov. 4 Don King card". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  41. ^ Akopyan, Manouk (4 November 2023). "Noel Mikaelyan Crushes Ilunga Makabu In Three Rounds, Wins WBC Cruiserweight Title". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Minor World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Paweł Kołodziej 		WBF cruiserweight champion
19 November 2011 – 2011
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Danie Venter
Major World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Oleksandr Usyk 		WBC cruiserweight champion
31 January 2020 – 26 February 2023 		Succeeded by
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