Ilunga Makabu

Ilunga Makabu, born on 8 November 1987 in Kananga, Zaire, is a dominant Congolese-South African professional boxer with an impressive track record enough to become a target even for Canelo Alvarez. Standing at 6 feet tall with a southpaw stance and a 74-inch reach, he held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2020 to 2023. His journey featured victories against tough opponents like Dmitry Kudryashov, Alexei Papin, and Thabiso Mchunu, solidifying his legacy in the cruiserweight division. Despite a setback against Badou Jack in 2023, Makabu’s indomitable spirit and achievements continue to shine in the world of professional boxing.

Technical Overview:

Makabu’s fighting style is marked by great bodywork, a low guard, and a remarkable ability to move seamlessly between high and low positions. Despite his size, he displays agility, effectively evading power shots. Operating as a southpaw, Makabu employs a strategy reminiscent of a duck, expertly slipping punches and brutalizing opponents. While he can be somewhat slower with his left hand, his boxing to uppercuts is surprisingly fast. His defensive skills include a clever jab, preventing opponents from gaining an advantageous position to throw overhand shots.

Adding a layer of unpredictability to his attacks, Makabu utilizes the same tactics against both orthodox and fellow southpaw opponents. He adeptly cuts off their movement, herding them into well-calculated follow-up punches. This strategic approach has contributed to Makabu’s success in the competitive cruiserweight division, making him a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional boxing.