Congolese WBC Cruiserweight world champion, Ilunga Makabu, who retained his title for the second time of his career against South African challenger, Thabiso Mchunu, last year in January, has now been scheduled to face Badou Jack on February 26th as a part of the Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury event, which will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Though it is still to be determined whether the bout will feature Ilunga Makabu (29-2, 25 KO’s) will be defending his title, it is highly likely that will be the case considering Badou Jack’s (27-3-3, 16 KO’s) high position within the rankings.
Badou Jack is a former world champion at Super Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight. His last match was also in Saudi Arabia when he was a part of the Joshua vs. Usyk undercard in August of 2022. He made his way past a tough battle against American Richard Rivera (22-1, 17 KO’s) who had been undefeated prior to his loss to Jack.
Makabu, as explained earlier, is coming off a rematch roughly a year ago against Thabiso Mchunu (23-6, 13 KO’s). Makabu, who’s toughest fight proved to be the now-retired former Cruiserweight world champion, Tony Bellew, faces a similar test in an aging but still-competent Badou Jack who is looking forward to capturing his first world title as a Cruiserweight.
With Badou Jack having conquered world titles in two different weight classes, Makabu faces a seasoned and tough fighter in Jack who might prove to be a stumbling block in his bid to remain a world champion. Makabu will be coming off some ring rust given it will be more than a year since he fought, when he faces Badou Jack, but he has – thus far – always shown up at his best in every fight.
Though the two fighters will be featured as the co-main event of the less experienced headliners in Jake Paul and Tommy Fury, their bout will without a doubt be a showcase of a professional boxer’s hard-earned work and effort for the past decade, given both fighters have participated in the sport for over a decade. It will be a tough challenge for both, but likely just as entertaining as it is difficult for the two Cruiserweights.
