Four title fights for fans
Fresh from a big win over Dmytro Kucher in Monte Carlo, Ilunga Makabu will be in action on August 31, at Emperors Palace.
The boxer, who is trained by Ekurhuleni legend Harold Volbrecht at his Hammer Gym in Boksburg, will defend his new WBC Cruiserweight Silver title against Eric Fields of the US.
Makabu might have won convincingly in Monte Carlo, but his camp feel he will be better against Fields.
The last time around Makabu, who is also known as Junior, had to spend two weeks in his native Congo just before the fight, as he had to sort out his work permit.
This seemed to have been a problem, as he appeared tired in the last few rounds of the fight.
“I’m cross with what happened with Dmytro,” says Junior.
He promises a “big knockout” to make up for that performance.
Volbrecht pointed out all the visa issues were now sorted and people are going to see a much improved performance from the champion.
The veteran trainer prides himself on mentoring two of the best southpaws around in Makabu and Thomas Oosthuizen.
Volbrecht himself fought in a left-handed stance when he became South African welterweight champion.
“I don’t think South Africa or Monte Carlo has seen the best of Junior Makabu,” says Volbrecht.
Makabu has won 14 fights (13 by knockout) and has one defeat.
Fields has an impressive record of 21 wins (15 by knockout) and one loss. His only defeat comes at the hands of world title contender Ola Afolabi.
August 31, will also see crowd-pleaser Ryno Liebenberg taking on Gabriel Ramirez for the WBC International Silver Light Heavyweight title.
Liebenberg is undefeated with 12 wins (eight of them by knockout).
He will be looking to keep his run going.
Ramirez has 13 wins (seven by knockout), four losses and one draw.
In 2012 he beat Mauricio Caceda to claim the interim WBC Latino Light Heavyweight title.
The night will also see former IBF and IBO strawweight world champion Nkosinathi Joyi take on Benezer Alolod of the Philippines for the WBC International Junior Flyweight title.
Joyi will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing his most recent fight to Hekkie Budler.
There are plans to see him fighting at the top.
His record stands at 23 wins (16 by knockout) and two losses.
His opponent, Alolod, has a record of 12 wins (two by knockout), four losses and four draws.
This will be the first event that will see three WBC titles contested for on the same bill on African soil.
The other title fight of the night will pit Johnny Muller against champion Tshepang Mohale for the South African light heavyweight title.
He won the title by knocking Muller out and the latter will be looking to avenge that loss.
One Comment