Former cruiserweight IIunga Makabu returns to the ring in Kinshasa on December 21
Former WBC cruiserweight champion IIunga Makabu will today announce his return to boxing at a press conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Makabu, who will seek to win two fights after losing, will fight an unknown opponent in Kinshasa, on December 21.
“I am very happy with my announcement to return on December 21 in my country Congo, Kinshasa City,” Makabu (29-4, 25 knockouts) told The Ring exclusively. “I specifically chose the date of October 30, which is the 50th anniversary of (Muhammad) Ali vs. (George) Foreman (declaring war).”
“It has been an inspiration to me since I was young, I wish to be a world boxing champion. And now I have to, in my country, be a two-time world champion. It’s my new goal and focus, and I won’t leave boxing until I make it happen again.”
His manager Tarik Saadi is currently working hard on who Makabu will face.
“I have already contacted the opponents about Makabu’s return in December but I have not signed yet,” said Saadi. “We will choose one with good quality.
“To be honest, every boxer has a chance in the ring, especially if you give him a chance to stand out against a big name like Makabu. The pressure will be behind Makabu in the country in front of his community.”
Makabu worked his way up, scoring a knockout win over Eric Fields (KO 5), and outpointing former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson (TKO 9) and Thabiso Mchunu (KO 11) to earn a shot at the vacant WBC title in May 2016. But although he dropped Tony Bellew in the opening round, Makabu let things slide and was stopped in three rounds.
The 36-year-old responded with a seven-fight winning streak, including two in Russia over Kudryashov (TKO 5) and Alexsei Papin (MD 12). That win saw him awarded a second title shot, and this time Makabu outpointed Michal Cieslak (UD 12) to take the WBC title. The hard-hitting southpaw defended against Olanrewaju Durodola (TKO 7) before defeating Mchunu (SD 12) in a rematch but lost the title to Badou Jack (TKO 12) and Noel Gevor Mikaelyan (TKO 3).
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].
