WBC Africa cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu has intensified his training ahead of his title defence match against Dodzi Kemeh at the Stadium Basket, Stade Des Martyrs, in Kinshasa, DRC, on September 5, 2025.
The Congolese-South African-French professional boxer was expected to face Charles Manyuchi, but he suffered an injury that forced him out of the fight.
The change in opponent was quickly approved by the African Boxing Union (ABU) President, Houcine Houichi, ensuring the event will continue as planned. This last-minute adjustment highlights the organisation’s commitment to maintaining event continuity and providing high-quality fights for fans.
Makabu, 37, one of the most prominent figures in African boxing, is putting his belt on the line against a dangerous opponent. That’s why he has been training intensely in the gym, eager to prove that he still has a lot to offer the sport.
He held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2020 to 2023. As of June 2022, he was ranked as the world’s second-best active cruiserweight by BoxRec, fourth by The Ring magazine, and by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.
His opponent, Dodzi Kemeh, is a professional Ghanaian boxer with a record that consists of more than 25 total fights.
The fight has generated significant excitement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and promises to be a thrilling bout that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The event is expected to attract thousands of fans to the iconic Stade Des Martyrs, solidifying Kinshasa as a key hub on the professional boxing map in Africa.
The World Boxing Council has named 2025 the “Year of Africa,” and this fight is part of that celebration. The “Year of Africa” commemorates the history, achievements, and splendour of African boxing, with many great fights having already taken place on the continent this year, showcasing the great quality and variety of talent that exists in this beautiful continent.
