Airdrie-based boxing coach Billy Nelson is convinced the next heavyweight superstar is a 6ft 6in, 18-stone vegetarian from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who is currently living the quiet life in Greengairs.
Now there’s a sentence you won’t see anywhere else this, or any other, week.
Even Nelson chuckles when he says it but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have complete confidence in his belief a future world heavyweight champion is kicking around in Monklands.
Meet Martin Ilunga. The big African fighter made the move from Kananga to South Africa before he set up base in England and then headed north to sign up to the Nelson stable.
Man-mountain Ilunga, who has won his first seven fights as a pro, admits he is loving life in his new surroundings.
He said: “I have really settled here.
“I enjoy it in Greengairs; it is very quiet and I have a nice flat (provided by his Watford-based sponsors Engage) and I feel at home.
“The weather is a bit different but I don’t mind it.
“The training is great and I’m improving all of the time. I want to be the world champion. That is my dream and hopefully I can do it in the next couple of years.”
Ilunga is not in town for the Scottish summer. He’s here to work and relishing the chance to be put through his paces by a trainer who led Coatbridge legend Ricky Burns and countless others to world titles and belts around the globe.
Ilunga is convinced the Scottish trainer is the man to get him to the top level and Nelson didn’t take long to agree.
Nelson said: “He’s the most natural fighter I’ve ever seen. He’s an enormous talent. He still has a lot to learn but he’s going to be a world champion.
“We are going to take our time but I would be comfortable chucking him in the ring with any domestic heavyweight in the UK right now – apart from Anthony Joshua.”
It’s some recommendation. But, hang on, nearly 18 stone of solid meat and yet Ilunga’s a veggie?
The 24-year-old heavyweight hopeful said: “Yeah, I don’t eat meat.
Billy helped me find an African shop, called Solly’s, in the west end of Glasgow.
“They provide me with my food, lots of fish and vegetables. But no meat.”
Presumably it takes a piece and blue whale to feed the big man but whatever’s going on the plate it’s working.
Martin is stepping into the ring in Manchester against a yet-to-be-determined opponent tomorrow and Nelson confirmed several promoters are queuing up to secure his services.
He revealed: “The trainer said: “He’s got the size, physique and speed. He’s like lightning. It’s a powerful combination.
“He’s been devastating in sparring. Guys from down south have requested to spar with him but they run a mile when they hear what he’s like.”
It’s not just titles Martin is after though, there are a few personal family scores he’d love to settle.
His brother Ilunga Makabu lost in his WBC cruiserweight world title bid to Tony Bellew in a thriller in Liverpool in May 2015.
Makabu had the English star down in the first round but the Scouser climbed off the canvas to complete a stunning third-round stoppage.
Martin – who will get a run-out in Manchester on Saturday against a yet-to-be-determined opponent – said: “I want to avenge that defeat for my brother. It was not used as an excuse at the time but he suffered a knee injury in that fight and eventually it required surgery.
“He should not have lost but I would love the chance to fight Bellow.”
Nelson reckons it would be a cracking contest. He said: “Martin would beat Bellew. I’d fancy him against any of the heavyweights around.”
