SA boxing has attracted many exciting fighters from the continent, but the bulk of Africa’s imports now hail from the DRC, reports Pule Mokhine.
The South African professional boxing scene has undergone a drastic change thanks to more fighters from the continent coming here to further their careers.
But the fistic fraternity is taking on its most distinctive shape in the form of more boxers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) dominating the list of foreigners who ply their trade in Mzansi’s rings.
A look at the latest Boxing SA ratings list shows that there are 16 Congolese pugilists who campaign in the country and are ranked in different weight divisions (see box).
Their number surpasses that of boxers from any other country. There is a sprinkling of other fighters from Botswana, Nigeria, Angola and Zimbabwe. And a few come from outside Africa.
But the Congolese rule the roost, and have targeted Gauteng and the Western Cape as their preferred provinces.
Topping the list of prominent Congolese fighters is junior heavyweight campaigner Ilunga Makabu.
The 27-year-old Gauteng-based boxer – who is trained by Nick Durandt and fights as a southpaw – is being groomed to fight for the world title in future.
He has been in the country for the past 10 years.
Makabu, who lost once in 20 professional fights, knocked out Thabiso Mchunu in the 11th round of their World Boxing Council cruiserweight title eliminator at the International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in March.
He is being groomed to take over from compatriot Flo Simba, who has hung up his gloves (see sidebar) because of his diabetes. Simba’s name, however, still appears in the rankings.
The heavyweight class also has George Tshimanga, Mudimba Mugaben and Marcel Ben.
Veteran trainer Harold “The Hammer” Volbrecht said the influx of Congolese boxers augured well for boxing.
“I think they are more hungry for success. By competing in South Africa in large numbers, they make local boxing more exciting,” said Volbrecht.
He has guided a number of Congolese in the past, including Simba.