Published on : 30/01/2022 – 07:43
Junior Makabu successfully defended his WBC cruiserweight world championship title for the second time, one of the four major professional boxing federations, on January 30, 2022 in Warren (northeast of the United States). The Congolese defeated South African Thabiso Mchunu by split decision. Thanks to this success, he can now hope to face the Mexican Canelo Alvarez, superstar of the discipline, and who wants his belt.
Junior Ilunga Makabu, 34, won much more than a professional boxing world championship on January 30, 2022 in Warren (northeast of the United States). Retaining his belt as king of the WBC cruisers was certainly his first ambition, during this gala organized by the legendary promoter Don King.
But beating Thabiso Mchunu (33 years old, 23 victories and now 6 defeats) opens the doors to him above all for an ultra-mediatized and very lucrative fight against Canelo Alvarez, current superstar of the Noble Art and one of the best boxers of all time. The WBC has indeed promised the Mexican, already world champion in four weight categories, a fight for the title among cruisers, “probably in May”.
Very close victory
To keep this possible ticket, Junior Makabu, 29 wins now for 2 defeats, had to face multiple adversity. A long trip to Ohio, when this fight was originally to be held in the DRC and the fists of Thabiso Mchunu, therefore.
In 2015, Junior Makabu had already beaten his challenger, by KO at 11e round, after being put in difficulty at the start of the match. This time, the Congolese had to go to the decision to snatch it narrowly. A short victory but with potentially huge repercussions for the DRC star.
