ILLUNGA MAKABU RETAINS HIS WBC AFRICA BELT
Junior Ilunga Makabu successfully defended his WBC Africa cruiserweight title with a third-round victory, overwhelming Ghana’s Dodzi Kemeh.
The fight took place at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa and was presented by Luyoyo Promotions.
Makabu started the bout cautiously in front of a supportive crowd. But, before the end of the first round, the former world champion landed a left hook on his opponent. In the second round, Kemeh didn’t back down, landing a few punches on Makabu. However, Junior remained composed while also connecting with the Ghanaian.
It was in the third round that Junior Makabu unleashed the full power of his left hook, landing a series of blows to Dodzi Kemeh’s head.
At the start of the fourth round, as Makabu was ready to continue the fight, Kemeh was unable to.
With pride, Makabu retained his WBC Africa belt, which he won in Kinshasa in December 2024. This victory puts Junior Makabu back on track to challenge for the world championship, a title he previously held and which is currently held by Badou Jack.
This fight was part of the celebration for the Year of Africa; earlier this year, the WBC named 2025 as the Year of Africa, and this event is expected to attract thousands of fans to the iconic Stade Des Martyrs, solidifying Kinshasa as a key hub on the professional boxing map in Africa.
Courtesy wbcboxing.com
