Deon Potgieter boxing
Musibele “Hawk” Makepula may have bitten off more than he can chew when he climbs into the ring against Irene Pacheco on Friday night in the United States. Makepula, who recently relinquished his World Boxing Union junior-flyweight world title, will be challenging the Columbian for the International Boxing Federation flyweight world title.
Pacheco is a devastating puncher who is undefeated in 25 bouts with 20 knockouts. This will be the champion’s third defence of his title.
Makepula is also undefeated (although his points win over Baby Jake Matlala was dubious) after 18 bouts with 13 knockouts to his credit. His fight against Matlala was a classic confrontation, but Makepula showed clear weaknesses in his defence.
Against a noted puncher in a higher weight division, this could cause him severe problems. What stands him in good stead, however, is that he has moved up to the flyweights.
Makepula battled to make the junior-flyweight limit in his last outing, resulting in a disappointing points win over the very average Marcos Obregon. With his move up being a natural one, there is a good chance Makepula will have taken his firepower with him. He’ll be able to throw the punches; the big question will be if he’ll be able to take them.
Makepula has a lot of heart and will undoubtedly give all he has to win this fight. The crowds at ringside may very well side with the charming former Olympian, as he has been appearing in US TV commercials for an energy drink. He’s therefore not an entirely foreign commodity.
If Makepula is able to pull it off, he will have at last proved himself worthy of all the praise that has been heaped on him in the past. The Hawk will have landed.