Ilunga Makabu won a 12-round split decision over Thabiso Mchunu to retain the WBC Cruiserweight title at the Packard Music Hall in Warren Hall.
It was a fight that did not provide much action, but it seemed like the challenger may have done barely enough to get the victory. Mchunu landed quick shots on the inside where Makabu’s good shots were fewer and far between.
The bout was a rematch of Makabu’s 11th round stoppage in 2015.
Makabu of The Congo won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 while Mchunu took a card 115-113. Makabu is now 29-2. Mchunu is 23-6.
Makabu could now be looking at a huge opportunity against pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez.
“Today I didn’t come for the knockout,” said Makabu, who won the vacant WBC belt by registering a unanimous decision over Michal Cieslak almost exactly two years ago on Jan. 31, 2020. “I just came to show that I can box. I am going to box and knock Canelo out in my next fight, baby.”
In his United States debut, the 34-year-old Makabu pressed the action against his compatriot and successfully followed his team’s game plan from the opening bell to run his unbeaten streak to 10.
“We were leading the fight comfortably,” said Makubu’s trainer, Damien Durandt. “Junior (Makabu) boxed beautifully. We knew what Mchunu was about. He brought in some elements that surprised us. I told Junior not to look for the knockout. If it comes, we will take it. All I wanted from round one was points. He said to me, ‘I got you baby.’
“I landed a lot of my punches, but the judges saw it the other way, said the 33-year-old who fought in the U.S. for the sixth time. “He (Makabu) didn’t really hurt me.”
Bryan Decisions Guidry; Retains WBA Heavyweight Title
In an entertaining battle, Trevor Bryan retained the WBA Heavyweight title with a 12-round split decision over Jonathan Guidry.
Bryan dominated the fight with his jabs and good right hands that followed. He had Guidry hurt on several occasions, but the pesky challenger was able to take those and fight back with heart and courage. In round 12, Bryan dropped an exhausted Guidry in the final seconds. Guidry was able to get to his feet and heat the final bell.
Bryan of Albany, NY won by scores of 118-109 and 116-111, while Guidry took a card 115-122 and is now 22-0. Guidry of Dulac, LA is 17-1-2.
“Trevor Bryan is here to stay, said the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., resident. “I showed that tonight. I am only going to get better and keep improving my skills. I worked until the final bell. I am taking my talents overseas. I am going to make those fights against the top three, which is Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk. I deserve those fights. This is a steppingstone for me. Shout out to Jonathan Guidry. He was a tough opponent.”
“It was a close fight,” said Guidry after the decision was announced. “We only trained for four weeks for this fight. I want another shot at it. If I get in a little bit better shape, I’ll put on a better show. It was heartbreaking. If I had a little bit more gas in the tank, I could have gotten him (Bryan).”
“The last round he caught me in my neck,” Guidry recalled. “I feel really good. I wasn’t supposed to make it this far.”
Langston Stops Kisner in 5
Johnnie Langston stopped Nick Kisner in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight.
In round five, Langston dropped Kisner three-times. The first came after a combination that punctuated by a body shot. The second came from a well placed left to the body. Langston ended things when he landed a big right that hurt Kisner that was followed by a combination that sent Kisner to the canvas to the deck and the fight was topped at 1:40.
Langston of Sarasota, FL is 10-3 with four knockouts. Kisner of Baltimore, MD is 22-6-1.
“I knew that Kisner was slick, Langston said in the ring after. “I just put the punches together and started landing. When he (Kisner) switched back and forth and went southpaw, I landed the overhand left and followed it up with the right uppercut.”
Scott Decisions Hefney
Decaree Scott remained undefeated with a 10-round splits decision over Ahmed Hefney in a heavyweight bout.
In round four, Hefmey was badly cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt.
Scott of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and is now 7-0. Hefney of Brooklyn, NY via Egypt won a card 96-94 but falls to 13-2.
“I knew I could go 10 rounds,” Scott said. “It wasn’t a problem. The cut was a punch. He (Hefny) was missing punches, holding, and grabbing. I worked so hard. I deserve this title.
Wiggins stops Wilson in 3
Tre’Sean Wiggins stopped Cody Wilson in round three of their 10-round welterweight bout
Wiggins dropped Wilson in round two, with a hard left. Wiggins dropped Wiggins early in round three with a hard left. Wilson was able to get up, but he ate a flurry of punches and the bout was stopped at 1:33.
Wiggins of Newbergh, NY is 13-6-3 with seven knockouts, Wilson of West Virginia is 10-4.
“Everything went right,” Wiggins said. “I am the man in charge right now. This is only the beginning. I knocked the door down, now I am running through.”
Michael Moore won a 10-round unanimous decision over Anthony Lenk in a middleweight bout.
Moore of Cleveland, won by scores 99-91 on all card, and is now 19-3. Lenk of Niagara Falls, New York is 17-8.
