Former WBC cruiserweight titleholder IIunga Makabu will announce his return to boxing today at a press conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Makabu, who will be looking to snap a two-fight losing streak, will fight an as-yet-unknown opponent in Kinshasa on December 21.
“I am very excited about my comeback announcement on December 21st in my country Congo, in Kinshasa City,” Makabu (29-4, 25 knockouts) told The Ring exclusively. “I specially chose the date of October 30, which is the 50th anniversary celebration of (Muhammad) Ali vs. (George) Foreman (to announce the fight).”
“It has been an inspiration to me since I was a child, who dreamed of becoming a boxing world champion. And now I have to become, for my country, a two-time world champion. That’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 diligently on who Makabu will face.
“I have contacted a few opponents for Makabu’s return in December, but have not yet signed,” says Saadi. “We will choose one with a good position.
“To be honest, every boxer has his own chance in the ring, especially if you give him a chance to shine against a big name like Makabu. The pressure will be on the back of Makabu in his country in front of his public.”
Makabu worked his way up and scored impressive wins over Eric Fields (KO 5), former light heavyweight titleholder Glen Johnson (TKO 9) and Thabiso Mchunu (KO 11) to earn a shot at the vacant WBC title in May 2016. he dropped Tony Bellew in the opening round, Makabu let things slip and was stopped in three rounds.
The 36-year-old responded by winning seven fights, including two in Russia over Kudryashov (TKO 5) and Alexsei Papin (MD 12). Those wins rewarded him with a second title opportunity, and this time Makabu cruised past Michal Cieslak (UD 12) to capture the WBC title. The power punching southpaw defended against Olanrewaju Durodola (TKO 7) before controversially outpointing Mchunu (SD 12) in their rematch but lost his title to Badou Jack (TKO 12) and also lost to Noel Gevor Mikaelyan (TKO 3) .
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