WBC ranks Malawi’s Chilemba second in the world
World Boxing Council (WBC) has ranked Malawi’s boxing icon Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba second in the world following latest rankings released on Wednesday.
Chilemba, who is based in South Africa is the top ranked boxer in Africa while Uganda’s Joey Vegas on fifth, is the only other African boxer in the top 10.
Jean Pascal of Canada is the highest ranked boxer in the world by WBC with Andrzj of Poland coming third, Umberto Savigne of Cuba on fourth.
Canadian’s Lucien Bute, who has been displaced by Chilemba, on second is on sixth Denis Grachev of Russia is seventh with his compatriot Dmitry Sukhotsky on eighth,Argentina’s Roberto Bolonti is on ninth and Nadjib Mohammedi of France concludes the top 10 bracket.
The soft-spoken boxer is currently undergoing rigorous training ahead of his title fight in March against a yet- to-be identified opponent.
“Hard in training, next date 15 March hopefully. Will keep you all posted,” he said on his Facebook page.
The Golden Boy he will have to wait for number two contender Sergey Kovalev who is also vying for the same title against champion Adonis Stevenson in the coming months.
“I am just waiting for everything to be confirmed, but right now my next fight is in March,” Chilemba told World Boxing News. In the meantime he will have to wait if Stevenson will still hold the title after meeting Kovalev.
“If Kovalev and Stevenson agree to their fight it could be a brilliant fight,” Chilemba said. “A heavy-handed fighter versus a boxer always brings excitement and everybody knows anything can happen at any time during the twelve rounds.”
“I think Kovalev carries a lot of power and will take a good thinking boxer to defeat him and I don’t know if Stevenson is one of them. We will have to see after the bell of first round goes but it will be great to watch.”
Chilemba stayed idle for several months after his second defeat in 25 bouts to Antony Bellew in March last year. But when he bounced back against Gbenga he was in brilliant form and never gave a chance the Ghanaian fighter. Chilemba thanked his team and fans for their support.
“Whilst I have the chance, I would like to also thank all my supporters all over the world, my family and my team for the support and the belief they have in me. Their support always pushes me to better myself each day,” he said.
“I am just waiting for everything to be confirmed, but right now my next fight is in March,” Chilemba told to a World Boxing News. In the meantime he will have to wait if Stevenson will still hold the title after meeting Kovalev.
“If Kovalev and Stevenson agree to their fight it could be a brilliant fight,” Chilemba said. “A heavy-handed fighter versus a boxer always brings excitement and everybody knows anything can happen at any time during the twelve rounds.”
“I think Kovalev carries a lot of power and will take a good thinking boxer to defeat him and I don’t know if Stevenson is one of them. We will have to see after the bell of first round goes but it will be great to watch.”
Chilemba stayed idle for several months after his second defeat in 25 bouts to Antony Bellew in March last year. But when he bounced back against Gbenga he was in brilliant form and never gave a chance to the Ghanaian fighter. Chilemba thanked his team and fans for their support.
“Whilst I have the chance, I would like to also thank all my supporters all over the world, my family and my team for the support and the belief they have in me. Their support always pushes me to better myself each day,” he said.
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