Year of Africa in focus with WBC world title fight at Emperors Palace

The world’s most prestigious boxing sanctioning body declared 2025 ‘The Year of Africa’ upon the 50th anniversary of the legendary heavyweight Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, DR Congo. 

Sulaiman says Kuse and Jerusalem’s fight in Johannesburg tonight falls under the same theme. 

"Absolutely, last year the WBC determined 'The Year of Africa', we did many events celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rumble in the Jungle," said Sulaiman.

"We did fights in many different countries in Africa – Guinea, Ghana, South Africa, and we're going to continue [because] Africa is the future, without a doubt.

"Africa has so much power, so much potential and we have always been here, and now it's time to bring it to the next level."

READ: Mandela tournament part of WBC’s big plans for SA boxing

Sulaiman also unveiled the beautifully designed WBC belt, which will be one of the three titles undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk will put on the line for his next big title fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Giza, Egypt.  

This is a fight that will be held outdoors at the iconic Pyramids in Cairo. 

"This belt is unique, it's going to be fought for between the champion Oleksandr Usyk and Rico in the sights of Giza in Egypt, and never before – and I'm sure never after – [will this happen]," he added.

"So it's a very special belt with all the elements from such a incredible history that Egypt has."