ІIlunga Makabu triumphantly defends WBC Africa title in Kinshasa

On September 5, 2025, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa (DR Congo), one of the key events of the “Year of Africa” celebration took place, proclaimed earlier this year by the World Boxing Council. The highlight of the night was the WBC Africa cruiserweight title defense by local hero Ilunga Junior Makabu.

Originally, Makabu was scheduled to face Zimbabwean veteran Charles Manyuchi, but an injury forced Manyuchi to withdraw. He was replaced by Ghanaian knockout artist Dodzi Kemeh (25-3-1, 23 KOs). The substitution was quickly approved by the President of the African Boxing Union (ABU), Houcine Houichi, ensuring the fight went ahead.

Despite the late change of opponent, Makabu (30-4, 26 KOs) entered the ring focused and determined. Backed by a passionate home crowd, he dominated from the opening bell. In the third round, a sharp series of punches forced the referee to step in, awarding Makabu a technical knockout victory and confirming his place as one of Africa’s strongest boxing figures.

This outcome carried special symbolism: in his previous fight in December 2024, Makabu also stopped his opponent — Egyptian fighter Wagdy Attia — in the third round, claiming the WBC Africa title. With this win, Makabu repeated the emphatic early finish, further cementing his reputation as a dangerous and explosive finisher.

At 37, Makabu’s triumph is a major step forward in his career resurgence. He successfully defended his WBC Africa belt, proving once again that he remains a symbol of African boxing strength and is ready for new international challenges.