By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Johannesburg-based boxing trainer Damien Durandt has revealed that current World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight king Junior Ilunga Makabu itches to become a unified champion.
But a step closer to that will only happen if Makabu successfully defends his belt against a mandatory challenger later this year.
Makabu from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) defended his title for the first time when he defeated United States-based Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Durodola in Kinshasa, DRC, in December.
‘‘He’s got a mandatory obligation to fulfil with the WBC. He also has his own goals, which he wants to accomplish. Junior wants to unify the division, he wants to become the best cruiserweight in the world,’’ Damien said.
The 33-year-old Makabu is still in the DRC and was invited to dinner with State President Félix Tshisekedi last Friday.
‘‘Junior is yet to return to South Africa. He has a few more things which he is completing in the DRC,’’ Damien, who is the son of the late boxing trainer Nick Durandt, said.
Meanwhile, Damien dreams of leading Jackson Chauke to a world title before the Tembisa-based boxer retires.
The 35-year-old Chauke is a South African and WBC International flyweight champion and was due to defend his titles against Luyanda Ntwanambe at the Orient Theatre in East London in December, but the
fight was called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘‘Jackson was supposed to defend his South African and WBC International titles at the beginning of December. He was supposed to
fight against WBO Africa champion and number one mandatory Ntwanambe
for the South African title in a Rumble Africa Promotions’ tournament. The fight was postponed due to the COVID-19,’’ Damien said.
‘‘It’s a fight that should happen this year. I think it should happen by April. My main goal is try to get him an international fight. He is number six in the WBC and is close to a world title shot. He is also number six on Boxrec. He is an international campaigner and I would like to get him a crack at a world title before he retires.’’
Chauke has a professional record of 19 wins (14 knockouts), one defeat and a draw.
