Four title fights for fans

Fresh from a big win over Dmytro Kucher, in Monte Carlo, Ilunga Makabu will be in action on August 31, at Emperors Palace.

The boxer, who is trained by Ekurhuleni legend Harold Volbrecht at his Hammer Gym, will defend his new WBC Silver Cruiserweight title against Eric Fields, of the US.

Makabu might have won convincingly in Monte Carlo, but his camp feels that he will be better against Fields.

The last time around Makabu, who is also known as Junior, had to spend two weeks in his native Congo just before the fight, as he had to sort out his work permit.

This seemed to have been a problem, as he appeared tired in the last few rounds of the fight.

“I am cross with what happened with Dmytro,” said Junior.

He promises a “big knockout” to make up for that performance.

Volbrecht pointed out that all the visa issues are now sorted, and people will see a much improved performance from the champion.

The veteran trainer prides himself on mentoring two of the best southpaws around, in Makabu and Thomas Oosthuizen.

Volbrecht himself fought in a left-handed stance when he became South African welterweight champion.

“I don’t think South Africa or Monte Carlo have seen the best of Junior Makabu,” he said.

Makabu has won 14 fights (13 by knockout) and has suffered one defeat.

Fields has an impressive record of 21 wins (15 by knockout) and one loss. His only defeat came at the hands of world title contender Ola Afolabi.

August 31 will also see crowd-pleaser Ryno Liebenberg taking on Gabriel Ramirez, for the WBC International Silver Light Heavyweight title.

Liebenberg is undefeated with 12 wins (eight of them by knockout) and he will be looking to keep his run going.

Ramirez has 13 wins (seven by knockout), four losses and one draw.

In 2012 he beat Mauricio Caceda to claim the interim WBC Latino Light Heavyweight title.

The night will also see former IBF and IBO strawweight world champion Nkosinathi Joyi take on Benezer Alolod of the Philippines, for the WBC International Junior Flyweight title.

Joyi will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing his most recent fight to Hekkie Budler.

There are plans to see him fighting at the top.

His record stands at 23 wins (16 by knockout) and two losses.

His opponent, Alolod, has a record of 12 wins (two by knockout), four losses and four draws.

This will be the first event that will see three WBC titles contested for on the same bill on African soil.

The other title fight of the night will pit Johnny Muller against champion Tshepang Mohale, for the South African light heavyweight title.

He won the title by knocking out Muller, who will be looking to avenge that loss.