When Thabiso Mchunu meets Eddie Chambers, 36-3, 18 KOs, in their nationally televised 10-round bout at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, it will be the first time the South African banger competes professionally outside of Africa. It will also be his first appearance on U.S. television.
With an impressive resume and word-of-mouth reputation despite his absence from American airwaves, the fighter they call “The Rock” is surrounded by an intriguing air of mystery.
Mchunu enters the ring against Chambers with a professional record of 12-1, with 9 KOs, as well as credentials that add some real danger to the mystery.
During his five year career, Mchunu has won three African titles. He gained the vacant South African cruiserweight title in just his fourth bout, with a 9th round stoppage of Patrick Madzinga. Two fights later, he grabbed the vacant WBA Pan African cruiserweight crown with a 32-second KO of Marciano Commey. In his most recent fight, Thabiso knocked out Danie Venter in round five to win the vacant African Boxing Union cruiserweight title.
Mchunu’s heavy punch has taken out 77% of his opponents. According to Hall of Fame matchmaker Russell Peltz, that kind of power is nothing to sneeze at: “Even if Chambers boxes his way up on the scorecards, he’ll need to be careful of Thabiso’s power until the final bell. Eddie will also have to deal with Mchunu being a southpaw. It’s an awkward style that most fighters try to steer clear of.”
“This match-up is a five-star fight that could very well steal the show on August 3rd,” said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. “Both fighters have big reputations to defend. I have no doubt that both of them truly belong among the top five contenders in the cruiserweight division.”
Of course no one knows if “The Rock” can defeat “Fast” Eddie until they actually meet in the ring, but Mchunu has the opportunity to make August 3rd a night to remember when the mystery is finally revealed.
Chambers versus Mchunu is one of three 10-round clashes that make up the latest edition of Fight Night on NBC Sports Network on August 3rd. Also on the card are Curtis Stevens against Saul Roman in a middleweight bout, plus Tomasz Adamek and Tony Grano in a battle of heavyweights. The broadcast begins at 10:30 PM ET.
