Malawi ‘golden boy’ Chilemba beat undefeated Russian boxer

Malawia’s boxing gem Isaac Chilemba handed Russian boxer Vasily Lipkhin his first defeat in one sided affair on the undercard of Sergey Kovalec-Jean Pascal fight on Saturday in Montreal, Canada.

Chilemba won with a unanimous decision as one judge scored (100-90) and two judges 99-91 to underline his call for world title fight.

“Light heavyweight contender Isaac Chilemba had too much skill and experience for Vasily Lepikhin, who he beat by unanimous decision on the undercard of the Sergey Kovalev-Jean Pascal fight on Saturday in Montreal,” reported the Ring Magazine.

Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 knockouts), The Ring’s No. 6-rated light heavyweight, nearly shutout the previously unbeaten Russian, winning by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 (twice). The 27-year-old native of Malawi dominated Lepikhin (17-1, 9 KOs) with his busy jab, lateral movement, accurate right hands and uppercuts.

The 29-year-old Russian, who had no answer for Chilemba’s movement and boxing style, simply didn’t let his hands go enough to win any rounds.”

The Bad Left Hook reported that the Russian disappointed fans who anticipating a Chilemba against Arthur Beterbiev

“Lepikhin (17-1, 9 KO) looked to be a stiff challenge in the first round, moving forward behind heavy punches and taking the round on two judges’ scorecards. After that, however, the fight became a thoroughly one-sided affair.”

Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KO) put on a tremendous performance, moving side-to-side and turning the bigger Lepikhin to prevent him from getting off more than a dozen or so punches per round.

At times he seemed content to simply bank rounds, but trainer Buddy McGirt kept him fighting hard, and consequently kept Lepikhin from ever working his way back into the fight.

“You can rest tomorrow,” McGirt told him, and Chilemba took his words to heart, gaining confidence and walking the Russian down more and more with each passing round.

It wasn’t a thrilling contest, but an entertaining boxing clinic from the veteran Chilemba, who could very well get a step up in competition after this effortless victory.

In the main bout Sergey Kovalev defeated favourite Jean Pascal in round 8 by TKO.

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