Chris Kongo signs multi-fight promotional deal with BOXXER

Chris ‘2 Slick’ Kongo has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with BOXXER and is aiming to get back into world title contention this year.

The Bermondsey boxer (12-1, seven KOs) will be trained by Ben Davison, who also guides undisputed world super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor.

Kongo, 29, has not boxed since a unanimous points decision to Michael McKinson last year in an unsuccessful first defence of his WBO Global welterweight title.

Kongo said, “It’s great to have teamed up with BOXXER by signing a new promotional deal with them as they’re doing amazing things and to be back on a fantastic TV platform like Sky Sports.

“I have a new promoter to push me and get me to where I want to be at world level and to challenge for a world title. Ben will ensure that I get back to the top. The important thing for me this year is to get back to fighting, keep active and climb back up the world rankings.”

BOXXER CEO and found Ben Shalom said: “It’s a big year for him where we’ll work hard to return him to the world class mix and push on from there.

“The domestic and world 147-pound division is full of quality fighters and champions. Kongo can really get himself back on the scene with some good victories this year and into the top 10 world rankings.”

A former Team GB member with more than 70 victories in the amateurs, Kongo turned pro in August 2016 with a first round KO over Jason Nesbitt and quickly rose through the ranks to challenge for his first title against Luther Clay in August 2020. A head-turning ninth round stoppage of Clay from a punishing left hook delivered Kongo the WBO Global belt and a world ranking. He was then out of action until March 2021 before he lost on points to the awkward McKinson.

Kongo, managed by Brixton heavyweight Dillian Whyte, said: “There will be a time he will have to come back and see me. There was nothing in the fight. If I had the chance again I’d beat him. I only had one fight in nearly two years when I fought McKinson, he was still active and had the experience.”

Kongo was involved in South London gang culture and got stabbed when he was 16.

“With the life I was leading it could have gone one way or the other. ” he said. “Boxing was what I definitely wanted to do. I’m so grateful to have chosen the right path and I know what I achieve through boxing.

“This year I want to go back into the community and show kids that they can get out and achieve great things with their lives. If I can do it, so can they.”