By Linda Ximba
There will be no Christmas break for Ilunga “Junior” Makabu from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as he is preparing to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight title.
Makabu’s title defence against Armenian-German boxer Noel Gevor Mikaelyan has been set for the Casino Miami Jai Alai in the US on Saturday, 21 January.
This will be the Damian Durandt-trained champion’s third title defence. He successfully warded off challenges from South Africa’s Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu at the beginning of the year and US-based Nigerian Olanrewaju Durodola two years ago.
However, his split decision win over Mchunu sparked controversy and criticism among boxing enthusiasts who felt the South African boxer had been robbed.
On the night, two judges scored it for Makabu by margins of 115-113 and 116-112 after 12 rounds, while the third had it for the 33-year-old Mchunu 115-113.
The three officials were American.
Making the decision even more dubious was that Mchunu fought in the backyard of the champion’s promoter, Don King.
Before the fight, the controversial and veteran promoter entered the ring wearing his trademark smile and denim jacket and waved US and DRC flags. He wasn’t holding a South African flag to represent Mchunu.
The 35-year-old Makabu, who is a southpaw, became the WBC champ after outpointing Michal Cieslak from Poland in his hometown of Kinshasa in 2000.
Previously Makabu had failed to dethrone Tony Bellew from England for the same crown as he was knocked out stone cold in round six in England in 2016.
The 32-year-old Mikaelyan was born in Armenia but is now based in Hamburg, Germany. In his last fight he defeated France-based Congolese Youri Kayembre Kalenga in February this year to qualify for the right to challenge one of the most coveted crowns in the world.
Pictured above:WBC champ Ilunga Makabu and promoter Don King
Image source: Boxing News 24/7
