Ilunga Junior Makabu
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- Birth Name: Junior Makabu Ilunga
- Birth Place: Contribute
- Born: November 30, 1987
- Died: Contribute
- Age: 36
- Height: 6′ 0″
- Weight: 200 lb
- Reach: 74″
- Stance: Southpaw
- Pro Debut: June 20, 2008
- Nationality: Congo
- Status: Contribute
- Manager: Contribute
- Promoter: Contribute
- Total Bouts: 32
- Total Rounds: Contribute
Ilunga Makabu is a professional boxer who has competed in the cruiserweight division for over a decade. With a total of 29 wins, 25 of them knockouts, and 3 losses, his career has been largely successful.
Makabu had a rocky start to his professional boxing career, losing his debut fight against Khayeni Hlungwane via a 1st round TKO in 2008. However, he went on to win 19 consecutive fights after this loss, including 18 wins via stoppage. Makabu's remarkable performance on July 13, 2013, against Dmytro Kucher via a 12th round majority decision marked the first significant highlight of his career.
In 2016, Makabu fought against Tony Bellew for the WBC (vacant) cruiserweight title, but he lost in the third round via knockout. Despite this setback, Makabu demonstrated resilience and continued to improve his skills inside the boxing ring.
In 2019, Makabu beat Dmitry Kudryashov via 5th round TKO, and in 2020, he won the WBC cruiserweight title from Michał Cieślak. Makabu proved his worth as a boxer by defeating Cieślak with a 12 round unanimous decision. Winning the title was a tremendous achievement for Makabu, marking his second significant career highlight after his remarkable performance against Dmytro Kucher in 2013.
Makabu's career suffered a slight setback in 2022 when he lost his WBC cruiserweight title in a bout against Swedish boxer Badou Jack via 12th round TKO. Despite the loss, Makabu is still considered a force to be reckoned with and is expected to bounce back stronger. Professional fighters, especially those at Makabu's level, will always encounter losses but how they manage to recover and prove themselves shows their true merit.
It is essential to note that of Makabu's three losses in his professional career, two happened in title bouts, and all three were losses via stoppage. These losses should not overshadow Makabu's successes as a boxer but provide rules on which he can improve as a fighter.
Makabu's remarkable record of 25 knockout wins in his 32 professional fights demonstrate his expertise and efficiency as a power puncher. His title defenses are also significant achievements in his career, having successfully defended his title in two fights.
Some of Makabu's notable victories include Olanrewaju Durodola, Giorgi Tevdorashvili, Mussa Ajibu, Paata Aduashvili, Chamunorwa Gonorenda, Dmitry Kudryashov, and Glen Johnson. His ability to compete well against other boxing heavyweights and maintain his impressive knockout win record highlight his authoritativeness in the ring.
His trustworthiness as a professional boxer is demonstrated by his consistency and growth throughout his career. Makabu's win-loss record of 29-3 demonstrates his overall success in the ring, and his title victories demonstrate his ability to compete at high levels.
Ilunga Makabu has proven his worth as a professional boxer throughout his career. Despite experiencing setbacks, he has demonstrated his resilience, contributing to the intriguing and exciting nature of boxing.
Ilunga Makabu Fight Record
# | Date | Age | Opponent | Result | Via |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
32 | Feb 26, 2023 | 35 | Badou Jack | Loss | TKO12 |
31 | Jan 29, 2022 | 34 | Thabiso Mchunu | Win | SD |
30 | Dec 19, 2020 | 33 | Olanrewaju Durodola | Win | TKO7 |
29 | Jan 31, 2020 | 32 | Michał Cieślak | Win | UD |
28 | Aug 24, 2019 | 31 | Alexei Papin | Win | MD |
27 | Jun 16, 2019 | 31 | Dmitry Kudryashov | Win | TKO5 |
26 | Dec 8, 2018 | 31 | Giorgi Tevdorashvili | Win | KO2 |
25 | Oct 26, 2018 | 30 | Paata Aduashvili | Win | KO2 |
24 | Sep 22, 2018 | 30 | Taylor Mabika | Win | RTD4 |
23 | Aug 25, 2017 | 29 | Mussa Ajibu | Win | KO4 |
22 | Apr 28, 2017 | 29 | Chamunorwa Gonorenda | Win | KO5 |
21 | May 29, 2016 | 28 | Tony Bellew | Loss | KO3 |
20 | May 26, 2015 | 27 | Thabiso Mchunu | Win | KO11 |
19 | Dec 5, 2014 | 27 | Tamas Bajzath | Win | TKO3 |
18 | Jun 28, 2014 | 26 | Glen Johnson | Win | TKO9 |
17 | Feb 1, 2014 | 26 | Ruben Angel Mino | Win | KO2 |
16 | Aug 31, 2013 | 25 | Eric Fields | Win | KO5 |
15 | Jul 13, 2013 | 25 | Dmytro Kucher | Win | MD |
14 | Mar 30, 2013 | 25 | Tamas Lodi | Win | TKO3 |
13 | Feb 16, 2013 | 25 | Gogita Gorgiladze | Win | TKO4 |
12 | Apr 24, 2012 | 24 | Michael Gbenga | Win | TKO5 |
11 | Nov 19, 2011 | 24 | Pedro Otas | Win | TKO11 |
10 | Jun 11, 2011 | 23 | Collice Mutizwa | Win | KO1 |
9 | Mar 26, 2011 | 23 | Nsitu Mbaya | Win | KO1 |
8 | Oct 30, 2010 | 22 | Danie Venter | Win | TKO6 |
7 | Mar 27, 2010 | 22 | Elvis Moyo | Win | TKO2 |
6 | Mar 7, 2010 | 22 | Ben Moakamela | Win | TKO2 |
5 | Feb 26, 2010 | 22 | Chamunorwa Gonorenda | Win | TKO2 |
4 | Jul 3, 2009 | 21 | Sean Santana | Win | TKO3 |
3 | Oct 18, 2008 | 20 | Nicholas Ramantswana | Win | TKO1 |
2 | Sep 13, 2008 | 20 | Elvis Moyo | Win | TKO1 |
1 | Jun 20, 2008 | 20 | Khayeni Hlungwane | Loss | TKO1 |