Chilemba battles weight ahead of title bout

South Africa-based boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba says he is doing his best to lose at least three kilogrammes (kg) to fight undefeated Cuban Ihosvany Rafael Garcia in an international title bout in Poland in February.

In an interview yesterday, the 34-year-old said although he is comfortable when he fights in light heavyweight division, which is 79kg, he is determined to come down to the super middleweight division (76kg) and face his 27-year-old opponent.

The bout comes two months after he secured a second-round knockout victory over Tanzanian Mbaruku Kheri in a 10-round non-title light heavyweight fight in South Africa, where he fought for the first time in 11 years.

Before that win, Chilemba had lost four of his last six bouts. He won once and drew once.

“I am comfortable when I fight in the light-heavyweight division. However, I have to do my best to be at par with my opponent in terms of weight ahead of the bout and that’s what I am working on,” Chilemba said.

In spite of that, he said a number of issues regarding the fight, including the actual date and the belt, are yet to be finalised.

“We will have a clear picture on this aspect by January when the organisers brief us,” the former International Boxing Organisation super middleweight champion said.

Chilemba, with a 1.88 metres reach, boasts 27 wins including 11 knockouts (KOs), nine defeats (a single KO) and three draws while Garcia,whose reach is 1.85m, has straight wins including seven by KO.

After a recent poor form, Chilemba hinted at retirement, but changed hismind following intervention of various stakeholders, including the Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB).

MPBCB president Lonzoe Zimba said he is happy that Chilemba will return to the ring for a title fight and is confident he will win the title.

“Chilemba is one of the most prominent boxers we are proud of as a country and we are happy to see more bouts coming his way,” he said.