Thabiso Mchunu (born 4 March 1988) is a South African professional boxer. He has challenged twice for a world title; first in 2016 for the WBO cruiserweight title. In 2022, he challenged for the WBC cruiserweight title. As of August, 2022, Mchunu is ranked as the world's fifth best cruiserweight according to The Ring, BoxRec and TBRB. Professional boxing career Early career Mchunu made his professional debut against Mzikayise Hlengwa on 28 July 2008 in Durban, South Africa. He won the fight on points after four rounds. After amassing a 3-0 record, Mchunu was booked to face Patrick Madzinga for the vacant South African cruiserweight title on 29 February 2008. He won the vacant title by a ninth-round technical knockout. Mchunu was scheduled to make his first title defense against Sean Santana on 11 July 2008. Santana retired from the fight at the end of the sixth round. After successfully making his first South African title defense, Mchunu was booked to fight Marciano Commey for the vacant WBA Pan African cruiserweight title on 10 October 2008 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He won the fight by a first-round knockout. He made two more South African title defenses against Ruben Groenewald on 22 January 2009 and Daniel Bruwer on 5 November 2010, as well as a joint South African and Pan African title defense against Soon Botes on 15 May 2009. After successfully beating Danie Venter by majority decision on 4 June 2011, Mchunu faced his first step-up in competition as he was booked to fight the 10-2 Zack Mwekassa on 24 October 2011, in Kempton Park, Gauteng. Mwekassa won the fight by a sixth-round technical knockout. First cruiserweight title run South African champion Mchunu faced Danie Venter for the vacant African cruiserweight title on 10 November 2012. He won the fight by a fifth-round knockout. Venter was knocked down three times by the 1:52 minute mark, which forced the referee to stop the fight. Mchunu made his United States debut against Eddie Chambers on 3 August 2013, as the fight took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Montville, Connecticut. Mchunu won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 99-91, 99-91 and 99-93. Mchunu was booked to face the 17-1 Olanrewaju Durodola for the vacant WBC–NABF cruiserweight title on 24 January 2014. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 97-92. Mchunu made his first