Chris Kongo confident his skills will be too much for Florian Marku in bantamweight grudge clash

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Chris Kongo is confident that Florian Marku has bitten off more than he can chew when the two welterweights clash on Sunday.

Bermondsey’s Kongo, 31 has not boxed since losing a majority decision to Ekow Essuman for the British and Commonwealth titles in January 2023.

The South Londoner’s only other defeat was when he relinquished his WBO Global belt to Michael McKinson on points in 2021.
BOXXER are promoting this weekend’s event at Greenwich’s 02 Arena.

London-based Albanian Marku is unbeaten – winning 13 and drawing once. Marku is a big ticket seller and boasts boisterous support.

BOXXER have described the bout as a “dangerous 50-50” with both men facing off recently on their Head 2 Head show.

Kongo is adamant he represents a step up for Marku. He said: “I don’t think he has fought anyone of my calibre. I don’t think he has boxed anyone that can really use their brain in there and use skill.

“He boxed in Albania (in August 2022) against a good opponent (Miguel Parra) and the guy was doing some good things in there.

“It was a step up for him (Marku) and even though he won (a unanimous decision), certain things happened that night…it was meant for him to win. He had it handed to him. When you get down to the nitty-gritty there are certain things he has done which are very predictable.

“There has been a change with Grant Smith, who is a good coach, but not much. I believe what he has done in his previous fights is what he’s going to bring on March 31.”

Marku has collected eight stoppages and tends to favour trading on the inside and at close quarters.

“You don’t know if you can handle what I bring,” he said. “It is different to see it from the TV and say: ‘Florian goes like crazy, explosive’. He doesn’t know how it feels to take that from me.

“He’s going to see why I am so long without a loss. He’s going to see if I’m the fighter I think I am.

“He underestimates me, like everyone I have fought.

“He might think things have been gifted to me – but nothing is gifted to me. I have changed styles and country.

“I came here by myself, with my wife and kids, to become a better fighter. You think this guy is going to stop me reaching my dream? He can bring whatever he wants on fight night but I’ll be ready.

“He can study me as much as he likes but when the punches are coming and you start getting hit then you can’t think properly any more. The plans go out the window.

“I like to give the fans excitement. I don’t like to make them boring.”

Kongo has boxed 13 more rounds than Marku – 83 in total – since moving across from the amateur ranks.

The only time he has been on the canvas was a flash knockdown against McKinson in the first round.

“I’ve got experience,” said Kongo. “I’ve fought tough guys that have hit me clean and I’ve still been there.

“The one thing about me is that I don’t die easy.”

MAIN PICTURE: LAWRENCE LUSTIG/BOXXER