Highly rated WBC International cruiserweight champion Ilunga "Junior" Makabu, the No3 contender in the WBC's ratings, has rejoined long-time trainer Nick Durandt.
Makabu, a Congolese, had a stint with a French trainer since he left Harold Volbrecht in May.
The talented left-handed fighter was to feature in Golden Gloves' tournament in Monaco on June 21. But he defected and went home to Kinshasa to face 45-year-old former IBF and IBA light-heavyweight champion Glen Johnson, whom he stopped in the ninth round on June 28.
Makabu then teamed up with an unheralded French trainer who guided him to a third-round stoppage of Tamas Bajzath in Luxembourg on December 5.
He revealed yesterday at Durandt's gym in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, that he once trained in Floyd Mayweather's gym in the US before deciding to come back to Durandt. Makabu and Mayweather met at the Dube Boyz Club in Soweto last year.
"I'm like a prodigal son who has come back to his father. I'm back home where I was never chased away," said the 25 year-old after his sparring session with current SA cruiserweight champion Deon Coetzee.
Makabu is preparing for the WBC cruiserweight title eliminator with No2 contender Thabiso Mchunu in Durban on May 16.
"Nick and I have always worked together behind closed doors, even when I was with Harold. Actually, I had a dream four years ago where I was standing inside a boxing ring celebrating with Nick after winning a WBC belt. I am back to realise that dream," he said.
Said Durandt: "Junior left me because his then promoter was not getting him fights. Junior wanted to join Golden Gloves with me as his trainer but he was advised not to bring me with, so I let him go."
Makabu's younger brother, heavyweight fighter Martin, is also part of Durandt's stable. The trainer also welcomed former IBO undefeated junior-featherweight champion Thabo Sonjica.
I'm back home - Makabu
Highly rated WBC International cruiserweight champion Ilunga "Junior" Makabu, the No3 contender in the WBC's ratings, has rejoined long-time trainer Nick Durandt.
Makabu, a Congolese, had a stint with a French trainer since he left Harold Volbrecht in May.
The talented left-handed fighter was to feature in Golden Gloves' tournament in Monaco on June 21. But he defected and went home to Kinshasa to face 45-year-old former IBF and IBA light-heavyweight champion Glen Johnson, whom he stopped in the ninth round on June 28.
Makabu then teamed up with an unheralded French trainer who guided him to a third-round stoppage of Tamas Bajzath in Luxembourg on December 5.
He revealed yesterday at Durandt's gym in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, that he once trained in Floyd Mayweather's gym in the US before deciding to come back to Durandt. Makabu and Mayweather met at the Dube Boyz Club in Soweto last year.
"I'm like a prodigal son who has come back to his father. I'm back home where I was never chased away," said the 25 year-old after his sparring session with current SA cruiserweight champion Deon Coetzee.
Makabu is preparing for the WBC cruiserweight title eliminator with No2 contender Thabiso Mchunu in Durban on May 16.
"Nick and I have always worked together behind closed doors, even when I was with Harold. Actually, I had a dream four years ago where I was standing inside a boxing ring celebrating with Nick after winning a WBC belt. I am back to realise that dream," he said.
Said Durandt: "Junior left me because his then promoter was not getting him fights. Junior wanted to join Golden Gloves with me as his trainer but he was advised not to bring me with, so I let him go."
Makabu's younger brother, heavyweight fighter Martin, is also part of Durandt's stable. The trainer also welcomed former IBO undefeated junior-featherweight champion Thabo Sonjica.
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