'The Rock' Mchunu eyes redemption for WBC Silver Cruiserweight title
Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu is banking on his consistency in the gym to successfully regain the WBC Silver Cruiserweight title after a two year hiatus from competing.
The KwaZulu-Natal born star will go toe-to-toe against Argentinian international Yamil Alberto Peralta at the Olive Convention Centre on Friday, March 22.
Mchunu, who returns from the shadows to contend for the title, lost it in 2022 to Congolese Ilunga Makabu who took the victory by split decision after going the full distance.
The lefty believes he will not have trouble lacing up for the fight against his Olympian opponent despite the long layoff from the ring
“I’m always at the gym training because I’m a big guy and if I stop training I gain a lot of weight,” Mchunu said at the press conference ahead of the contest.
“I do play soccer as well and I’ve stayed fit so the break won’t have much effect on me.”
Out of his seventeen professional bouts, Mchunu’s opponent Peralta has won sixteen, nine of which were knockouts. His one loss ended controversially in favour of Ryan Rozicki.
Despite the gleaming statistics, Mchunu has confidence he will reclaim glory in the top of the bill encounter.
The southpaw Mchunu, who is ranked third in the world and has more experience by 12 fights, last saw the belt in 2019 when he was crowned champion against Russia’s Denis Lebedev.
“He (Peralta) is a good boxer, and I respect him, but I believe I am the better fighter. I’ve fought the best in the world, and I’ve done my homework. I believe I’ll take the victory.
“He is not that tall, I have fought taller boxers, and I’m quick but I’m ready for anything.
“He might try to run away, but I’m definitely faster. I’ll make sure to engage first, dominate and be in control of the fight, that’s how I’ll win.
Thulani Mbenge also returns on the undercard to rise back to WBC status when he faces Peralta’s compatriot Leandro Fonseca in the welterweight division scheduled for 10 rounds.
Mbenge hops back on to the canvas after two years. His last fight for the WBC welterweight title was in France against Soulaymane Cissokho which ended in a defeat by majority decision.
The main bout is scheduled to start at 22:00pm on March 22, 2024.
