Thabiso ‘The Rock’ Mchunu’s trainer Sean Smith hopes that his boxer will resurrect his boxing career as they leave for Russia on Friday for a fight against Russian boxer Muslim Gamzatovich Gazhimagomedov.
The 36-year-old Mchunu from KwaXimba in KwaZulu-Natal fights against Gazhimagomedov in Luzhniki, Moscow, Russia on Friday next week.
“Our preparations have been very good. Obviously, we didn’t have eight weeks in camp. Remember, Thabiso comes off two losses, both by a split decision,” Smith said.
Mchunu, who is the current South African cruiserweight titlist, lost his last two fights to former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Ilunga Junior Makabu from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Argentine boxer Yamil Alberto Peralta.
While preparing for the Gazhimagomedov fight, Mchunu sparred against former SA heavyweight champion Keaton Gomes and Akani Phuzi.
“Thabiso is in good spirit and he knows what to do. He must make the right step as we will be fighting against a good boxer, who has five fights. It’s gonna be a tough fight. If Thabiso brings his A game, then he will have the beating of the guy,” Smith remarked.
Meanwhile, the unbeaten Gazhimagomedov, a silver medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has won all his five fights, having stopped three of his opponents.
The 28-year-old Gazhimagomedov is a gold medallist at the 2019 World Championships and European Games. – Monwabisi Jimlongo