Makabu beat Mchunu on points

WBC cruiserweight champion in rematch Ilunga Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs) defended his title with a split decision victory over the mandatory challenger Tabiso Mchunu (23-6, 13 KOs) in the main event of the evening at the Concert Hall Arena at WD Packard in Warren, Ohio.

In their first fight in 2015, Makabu stopped Mchuna early in the eleventh round. This time it was a close and tactical fight, which the judges scored 115-113, 116-112 in favor of Makabu, and 115-113 in favor of Mchunu.

Mchunu looked extremely unhappy with the decision of the judges, refused to shake hands with Makabu and pushed him after the fight. Makabu is expected to fight Canelo Alvarez next in May.

“I didn’t aim for a knockout today,” Makabu said. - I just went out to prove that I can box. I'm going to box and knock out Canelo in my next fight, baby."