Ilunga Junior Makabu vs Badou Jack Prediction: Ilunga hopes to defend his title once again

Get ready for a heavyweight showdown in the heart of Saudi Arabia's bustling capital, Riyadh! On February 26th, the WBC World Cruiserweight title is up for grabs as the electrifying Ilunga Makabu faces off against the fierce Badou Jack. Streaming worldwide on ESPN+, this 200-pound division battle promises to be a must-see event for fight fans around the globe. While some may see this as an undercard match, experts predict that it will be anything but ordinary. With both fighters bringing their A game to the ring, spectators can expect an intense, high-stakes showdown. So mark your calendars and prepare for a night of non-stop action and excitement! Check out the expert analysis and predictions below for an inside look at what to expect from this epic bout.

Ilunga Junior Makabu - slight favorite to win

Ilunga Junior Makabu's ascent to boxing stardom has been nothing short of spectacular, dazzling fans with his impressive record and awe-inspiring performances. Hailing from Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo, Makabu discovered his love for boxing at a tender age and began his amateur career in 2004. After conquering the amateur scene and winning numerous titles, Makabu turned pro in 2008 and quickly made a name for himself in the cruiserweight division. His first professional bout against Zola Koti in January 2008 was just the beginning of his meteoric rise to the top. He won his next 11 fights, with 10 of them ending in knockouts. With an unparalleled combination of passion, talent, and grit, Makabu's future in boxing looks as bright as his explosive performances in the ring.

In 2015, Ilunga Junior Makabu had a breakthrough moment in his boxing career when he faced off against Ruben Angel Mino in a Main Card 3-minute, 10-round event. The bout was a true spectacle, with both fighters leaving it all on the line. But it was Makabu who emerged victorious, delivering a crushing knockout blow to Mino in the second round. This win put Makabu on the map and brought him one step closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion. As his reputation grew, Makabu set his sights on the WBC cruiserweight title, a coveted prize in the world of boxing. In May 2016, he squared off against Tony Bellew in a highly anticipated bout for the vacant championship. It was a clash of titans, with both fighters unleashing a barrage of punches in a bid for victory. Despite his best efforts, Makabu ultimately fell short, succumbing to a devastating knockout in the third round. Nevertheless, Makabu's tenacity and unwavering determination in the face of defeat served as a testament to his unwavering spirit and his status as a true champion in the making.

Following his defeat to Bellew, Ilunga Junior Makabu was determined to bounce back and prove his worth in the ring. And that's exactly what he did. He won his next four fights in convincing fashion, showcasing his unparalleled skills and remarkable resilience. One of his most notable victories came in September 2018 when he defeated Dmitry Kudryashov by unanimous decision, leaving no doubt about his prowess in the cruiserweight division. Makabu continued to build his momentum, earning the WBC Silver cruiserweight title in 2019 with a resounding unanimous decision win over Michal Cieslak.

But it was his fight against Olanrewaju Durodola in December 2021 that cemented Makabu's status as a true boxing champion. In a thrilling showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats, Makabu emerged victorious with a KO/TKO decision, claiming the vacant WBC cruiserweight title in stunning fashion. His first world title win was a defining moment in his career, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to his craft.Makabu didn't rest on his laurels, however, as he defended his title against Thabiso Mchunu in January 2022. Makabu won by a split decision in a close fight that showed off both fighters' skills and determination. This win solidifies his position as a top-tier boxer and a force to be reckoned with in the cruiserweight division.

Ilunga Junior Makabu is a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring, and his greatest strength lies in his power punching ability. With a devastating left hook that has earned him numerous knockout victories throughout his career, Makabu can quickly inflict significant damage on his opponents. His opponents must tread carefully when engaging with him, always mindful of his powerful punches. Makabu's raw punching power is truly unparalleled, making him a formidable and intimidating opponent for anyone in his weight class.

In the world of cruiserweight boxing, Makabu has carved a name for himself as a fighter who brings excitement and thrill to the ring. With a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws, Makabu has established himself as a formidable opponent. What makes him stand out is his relentless aggression, unwavering determination, and destructive power. He's a fan favorite, thanks to his ability to knock out opponents, with 24 of his victories ending in a knockout. With his combination of skill, grit, and power, Makabu is a true force in the sport of boxing.

Badou Jack - ready to cause an upset

Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, the fierce pugilist, Badou Jack, proudly dons the gloves in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, showcasing his remarkable prowess within the squared circle. Born to a Swedish mother and Gambian father on All Hallows' Eve of '83, Jack's tenacity was ingrained from the very beginning. Since he started boxing professionally in 2009, he has made a strong name for himself and built up an impressive list of wins. Badou's gloves were finally laced.Jack made headlines in 2009 when he inked a deal with the formidable Mayweather Promotions, spearheaded by the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr. But it was in 2015 when Jack truly rose to prominence, ascending to the super middleweight division and claiming the coveted WBC title in a riveting battle against Anthony Dirrell, emerging victorious through a tight majority decision. Undeterred, Jack's tenacity prevailed as he defended his title twice, leaving his opponents in awe of his mastery. And yet, the audacious boxer craved more, deciding to scale even greater heights by moving up to the light heavyweight division to make his indelible mark.

The year 2017 witnessed a monumental clash as Badou Jack locked horns with Adonis Stevenson, vying for the illustrious WBC light heavyweight title. In a fiercely contested match, the bout culminated in a draw, leaving both fighters hungry for more. Jack's unwavering determination persisted as he clinched the WBA light heavyweight title after defeating Nathan Cleverly, unleashing a wave of euphoria among his fans. But the crown slipped away from Jack's grasp as Dmitry Bivol emerged victorious in the next bout, marking a pivotal moment in Jack's career. Nevertheless, the indefatigable pugilist pressed forward, ready to redeem himself. However, fate had other plans as Jack succumbed to a resounding defeat in January 2019, losing to Browne via unanimous decision; a cut over his eye forced the fight to a halt in the 12th round.

With 27 glorious wins, 3 grueling losses, and 3 hard-earned draws, Badou Jack boasts an awe-inspiring record, 16 of which were clinched by the sheer force of his knockout punches. The Swedish boxer has etched his name in the annals of boxing history, demonstrating his unyielding talent and remarkable skill in both the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. His tenacity and grit have led him to clinch several prestigious titles, earning him a reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the ring today.

Expert Betting Tips

Badou Jack has an impressive track record of defeating top-notch fighters in their prime. His prestigious career boasts five consecutive wins, each more special than the last. Makabu, on the other hand, has a commendable record of successfully defending his title against some pretty formidable opponents. However, it's worth noting that Makabu hasn't set foot in the ring for over a year, and at 35 years old, there's a possibility of him losing some of his jabbing volume. Given the impressive track records of both fighters, predicting the outcome of this fight will be a Herculean task.