Accomplished boxer Ilunga “Junior” Makabu, who defied the odds by winning boxing’s most prized belt, the WBC title in 2020, says he feels honoured and privileged to have been called for a showdown by Thomas “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen.
Makabu, who has since defended the cruiserweight title twice already, said it was great to be challenged by Oosthuizen who he described as one of SA’s most talented fighters.
But Makabu was not keen to respond to Oosthuizen.
“I suggest that Thomas must first fight his way to getting rated by the WBC in the cruiserweight division, then he can call out a top 10 rated contender to work his way to the top before he can call me out,” said the SA-based Congolese from Kananga.
“I must say that I worked very hard to get to where I am today, and I think my fellow boxers in the top 10 ratings deserve a chance at the title. I would like to fight Thomas, but first he must work his way up to the top.”
Oosthuizen, who has held the IBO belt in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, called out Makabu just after knocking out fringe opponent Malawian Limbani Lano in the sixth round of their 10 rounds scheduled cruiserweight fight.
Makabu was booked to make his third title defence in a title unification bout with the WBA regular champion Ryad Merhy in what was to have been the main event of a card on September 30 at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, Congo.
On July 19, 2022, Merhy was ordered by the WBA to face their "Super" cruiserweight champion, Arsen Goulamirian, while Merhy stated his desire to move up to bridgerweight on August 8, as he was finding it difficult to make the cruiserweight limit.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.