Congolese cruiserweight Junior Ilunga Makabu underlined his comeback ambitions with a resounding third-round victory over Ghana’s Dodzi Kemeh, successfully defending his WBC Africa title before an ecstatic home crowd at Kinshasa’s Stade des Martyrs on September 5, 2025.
Organised by Luyoyo Promotions, the bout began with Makabu sizing up his opponent cautiously, feeding off the electric atmosphere inside the iconic stadium. But it didn’t take long for the former world champion to show his trademark power. Late in the opening round, Makabu connected with a thunderous left hook that rattled Kemeh and set the tone for the contest.
Kemeh refused to fold in the second, pressing forward with a series of clean punches that briefly tested the Congolese star. Makabu, however, stayed composed and answered with crisp counters, drawing roars from the partisan crowd.
The end came in the third round. Makabu unleashed a barrage of heavy left hooks to the head, leaving Kemeh reeling. When the bell rang for the fourth, the Ghanaian was unable to continue, sealing a stoppage win for the hometown hero and extending his reign as WBC Africa champion – a belt he first claimed in Kinshasa in December 2024.
The victory not only cements Makabu’s dominance on the continent but also revives his pursuit of a world title, once again putting him in line to challenge reigning champion Badou Jack.
Staged as part of the WBC’s “Year of Africa” celebrations, the fight drew hundreds of passionate fans to the Martyrs Stadium, reaffirming Kinshasa’s historic place on the global boxing map.
