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Mixed emotions for Ilunga after triumph

DOWN AND OUT: Ilunga Makabu from the Democratic Republic of Congo knocked out Thabiso Mchunu of South Africa in the eleventh round of a WBC cruiserweight title eliminator at the International Convention Centre in Durban on Saturday night PHOTO: THULI DLAMINI
DOWN AND OUT: Ilunga Makabu from the Democratic Republic of Congo knocked out Thabiso Mchunu of South Africa in the eleventh round of a WBC cruiserweight title eliminator at the International Convention Centre in Durban on Saturday night PHOTO: THULI DLAMINI

It's sad that two African fighters had to meet to decide who will represent the continent against the world, said Ilunga "Junior" Makabu.

Democratic Republic of Congo was reacting to winning a first WBC title elimination bout between Africans.

Saturday night's bout against KwaZulu-Natal's Thabiso "The Rock" Mchunu at Durban's ICC, was a war of attrition.

Makabu, who made his first appearance under Gauteng trainer Nick Durandt, knocked Mchunu, from KwaXimba in Maritzburg, out in the 11th round. With his stunning victory Makabu won the right to challenge WBC cruiserweight champion Grigory Drozd from Russia.

While Makabu improved his knockout ratio to 18 from 19 wins against one defeat, Mchunu suffered his second defeat from 18 fights.

Mchunu's fans came in droves and their idol was expected to enjoy territorial advantage. But it was not to be. The exchange of songs between South Africans and the foreign legion, mainly from the DRC, set the tempo for the fight.

"To some people who are not well informed in boxing matters, it appeared as a fight between Congo and South Africa, yet that was not the case," said the Gauteng-based Makabu.

"I told Thabiso after the fight that it was just a pity we had to fight. I just hope and wish that all Africans will see the fight in a sporting way because I will not only represent my country when I challenge Grigory, I'll represent the continent."

Other results:

WBA Pan African bantamweight (10 rounds): Sibusiso Gonya beat Onela Qongwane on points.

WBA Pan African junior middleweight (10 rds): Frans Ramabodu beat George Mdluli on points.

WBA Pan African middleweight: Christopher Buthelezi beat Brazilian Rocky Junior by TKO in one round.

Cruiserweight six rounds: Thabo Mchunu beat Emmanuel Manengi from DRC on points.

Welterweight: Thulani Mbenge beat Makhosonke Abraham on a first round TKO.

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