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Congolese boxer Ilunga Makabu is determined to become South Africa’s best heavyweight import.
The 27-year-old southpaw wants to surpass countryman Flo Simba, who was on his way to becoming the top heavyweight pugilist before his career was hindered by diabetes. Simba is now on the comeback trail.
Makabu’s determination follows an impressive 11-round knockout victory over Thabiso Mchunu in their World Boxing Council cruiserweight title eliminator on May 15. Makabu, also known as Junior, is a natural cruiserweight, but says he has no problem fighting as a heavyweight.
Cruiserweight, also known as the junior heavyweight, has a limit of 88.15kg. A heavyweight boxer must weigh more than that. Makabu believes he won’t have any problems adding a few kilograms to become a fully fledged heavyweight.
South Africa has been struggling to find credible boxers in the heavyweight class since the era of Gerrie Coetzee and the late Corrie Sanders, both of whom won world titles.
Coetzee lifted the World Boxing Association crown in 1983, while Sanders won the World Boxing Organisation title 20 years later.
Since then, there have not been many heavyweight contenders, with Anton Nel being the current titleholder. Nel is in his late forties.
Makabu is determined to change the complexion of the dormant division.
“I have been in South Africa for more than 10 years and am hoping to get permanent citizenship soon. I want to be the best heavyweight in the country.
“It would be nice to win a world crown of either the cruiserweight or heavyweight class in future,” he noted.
Makabu’s trainer, Nick Durandt, said his charge would probably fight for the World Boxing Council gold heavyweight championship in Russia on October 22. – Pule Mokhine
