Mchunu vs. Makabu: B-Scene Staff Predictions
May 16, 2015 • 10:16 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
Possibly the best fight of the weekend is one that is not available to stateside fans, which is fitting since it takes place in a division largely ignored by American networks.
Streaking cruiserweights Thabiso Mchunu and Ilunga 'Junior' Makabu throw down Saturday evening in Durban, South Africa. At stake is a mandatory shot a cruiserweight title later this year, though both fighters are eager to simply maintain their winning ways.
Mchunu (16-1, 10KOs) was largely unknown prior to claiming top honors in the Super 8 "Last Man Standing" cruiserweight tournament in South Africa. The run was enough to gain the attention of American promoter Kathy Duva and former heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers, in search of a serviceable opponent for his cruiserweight debut in Aug. '13.
With that came Mchunu's stateside debut in what became the opportunity of a lifetime. The deceptively strong southpaw served up a career-best performance in easily handling Chambers and making his presence felt in the cruiserweight division.
More so, the bout was nationally televised as were his pair of subsequent fights including a 10-round win over Garrett Wilson last September on free-to-air NBC.
Saturday's title eliminator marks his first trip back to South Africa since his aforementioned Super 8 tournament win in Nov. '12.
It's been a far different tale for Makabu (18-1, 17KOs), who has won all 18 fights following a 1st round knockout loss in his pro debut. The Congolese puncher has been prominently featured on promoter Rodney Berman's shows in Monte Carlo, scoring wins over Tamas Lodi, Dmytro Kucher and Ruben Mino - all of who were unbeaten at the time they faced Makabu.
His 12-round win marks Makabu's lone career bout to go to the scorecards; four straight knockout wins have followed.
Read on to see how the staff at BoxingScene.com believes tonight's cruiserweight action goes down.
BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS: THABISO MCHUNU vs. JUNIOR MAKABU
Jake Donovan (Makabu late KO): Both are on impressive winning streaks, yet without proof they can handle what the other brings to the table. Mchunu is a terrific boxer but hasn't yet proven he's able to take a shot from a finisher like Makabu. Conversely, Makabu's recent run is impressive, but largely against come-forward fighters. Head says Mchunu scores a decision, heart says Makabu - down on the cards - finds a way to close the show.
Takahiro Onaga (Mchunu Dec.): This potentially fight of weekend and I'll go with Mchunu to take a decision behind his defense, great fight and could easily go other way.
Cliff Rold (Makabu KO): This could end up the fight of the weekend. Both men can bang some and have been stopped. Makable is the better puncher and I think that's the edge here.
Victor Salazar (Mchunu Dec.): On paper, probably the most competitive fight on the bill of fights. Mchunu is probably the best cruiserweight nobody knows about. I think he’ll win a tight decision.
Alexey Sukachev (Mchunu MD): Quite possible the best cruiserweight fight this year, albeit without a champion. Should be a great scrap, with Mchunu using his techniqie and sneaky skills against more straightforward banger in Makabu. But it'll be thrilling all the way.
Totals:
Mchunu - 3
Makabu - 2
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
