Ilunga Makabu

Last updated

Ilunga Makabu Jr.
Born
Junior Ilunga Makabu

(1987-11-08) 8 November 1987 (age 36)
Kananga, Zaire
Other namesThe Junior
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Reach188 cm (74 in)
Stance Southpaw
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.

Contents

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

Early career

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

Makabu vs. Kudryashov

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

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

Makabu vs. Cieślak

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

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

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

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

Makabu vs. Mikaelian

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

33 fights29 wins4 losses
By knockout254
By decision40
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
33Loss29–4 Noel Mikaelian TKO3 (12), 1:004 Nov 2023 Casino Miami Jai Alai, Miami, Florida, U.S.For vacant WBC cruiserweight title
32Loss29–3 Badou Jack TKO12 (12), 0:54 26 Feb 2023 Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi ArabiaLost WBC cruiserweight title
31Win29–2 Thabiso Mchunu SD1229 Jan 2022Packard Music Hall, Warren, Ohio, U.S.Retained WBC cruiserweight title
30Win28–2 Olanrewaju Durodola TKO7 (12), 0:5519 Dec 2020Studio Mama Angebi, Kinshasa, CongoRetained WBC cruiserweight title
29Win27–2 Michał Cieślak UD1231 Jan 2020Temporary Arena, Kinshasa, CongoWon vacant WBC cruiserweight title
28Win26–2 Alexei Papin MD1224 Aug 2019 Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, RussiaRetained WBC Silver cruiserweight title
27Win25–2 Dmitry Kudryashov TKO5 (12), 2:3616 Jun 2019 KRK Uralets, Yekaterinburg, RussiaWon vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title
26Win24–2Giorgi TevdorashviliKO2 (10), 1:558 Dec 2018Euskirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
25Win23–2Paata AduashviliKO2 (8)26 Oct 2018Salle du Monte d’Or, Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, France
24Win22–2Taylor MabikaRTD4 (12), 3:0022 Sep 2018Grand Hôtel de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, CongoWon WBC International cruiserweight title
23Win21–2Mussa AjibuKO4 (8)25 Aug 2017Rainbow Towers Conference Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
22Win20–2Chamunorwa GonorendaKO5 (10)28 Apr 2017Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa
21Loss19–2 Tony Bellew KO3 (12), 1:2029 May 2016 Goodison Park, Liverpool, EnglandFor vacant WBC cruiserweight title
20Win19–1 Thabiso Mchunu KO11 (12), 1:5626 May 2015 International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa
19Win18–1Tamas BajzathTKO3 (10), 2:1505 Dec 2014Centre Sportif Obercorn, Differdange, Luxembourg
18Win17–1 Glen Johnson TKO9 (12), 2:4028 Jun 2014Grand Hôtel de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, CongoWon WBC International cruiserweight title
17Win16–1Ruben Angel MinoKO2 (10), 1:5301 Feb 2014Salle des Étoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco
16Win15–1 Eric Fields KO5 (12), 1:5931 Aug 2013Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South AfricaRetained WBC Silver cruiserweight title
15Win14–1 Dmytro Kucher MD1213 Jul 2013Salle des Étoiles, Monte Carlo, MonacoWon vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title
14Win13–1Tamas LodiTKO3 (10), 1:2930 Mar 2013 Salle des Étoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco
13Win12–1Gogita GorgiladzeTKO4 (10), 1:4916 Feb 2013Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South AfricaWon vacant IBF Youth cruiserweight title
12Win11–1Michael GbengaTKO5 (8), 2:5324 Apr 2012Carnival City Casino, Brakpan, South Africa
11Win10–1Pedro OtasTKO11 (12), 2:5419 Nov 2011Monte Casino, Johannesburg, South AfricaWon vacant WBF cruiserweight title
10Win9–1Collice MutizwaKO1 (6)11 Jun 2011Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa
9Win8–1Nsitu MbayaKO1 (6)26 Mar 2011Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
8Win7–1 Danie Venter TKO6 (6)30 Oct 2010Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
7Win6–1Elvis MoyoTKO2 (6)27 Mar 2010Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa
6Win5–1Ben MoakamelaTKO2 (6)07 Mar 2010Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
5Win4–1Chamunorwa GonorendaTKO2 (6)26 Feb 2010Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
4Win3–1Sean SantanaTKO3 (6)03 Jul 2009Nirvana Secondary School, Lenasia, South Africa
3Win2–1Nicholas RamantswanaTKO1 (4)18 Oct 2008Park Station Concourse, Johannesburg, South Africa
2Win1–1Elvis MoyoTKO1 (4)13 Sep 2008Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa
1Loss0–1Khayeni HlungwaneTKO1 (4), 0:2920 Jun 2008Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa

See also

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References

  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.
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  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.
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  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.
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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