Chilemba opens up on regrets

Malawian boxing superstar Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba has opened up on regrets in his career despite scaling lofty heights that saw him being crowned a world champion.

In an interview on Wednesday, Chilemba who announced his retirement earlier this week, said his biggest regret was his failure to fight on home soil.

Said the South Africa-based boxing legend: “I rose to become a world champion, but the fact that I have retired without fighting on home soil will always haunt me.

 “Suffice to say I tried, but things just couldn’t work out. I really wish Malawians had a chance to watch me fighting there at home.”

 The 37-year-old also opened up on off-the-ring bad conduct which he regrets affected his performance in some crucial bouts, citing problems in his relationship with a fiancee that led to heavy drinking and smoking.

Chilemba, who was crowned IBO super middleweight world champion in 2010, said: “I have huge regrets and one of them is smoking. I smoked throughout my career since 2008. I used to smoke here and there back then, especially when I was hanging out with friends.

“Then between 2017 and 2019, I went through tough time. I drunk almost every day and there came a time when I would smoke two packets of cigarettes on a daily basis, it was hectic.”

Chilemba said the other big regret he had was dating his ex-business partner [name with-held].

“I dated her between 2008 and 2017 and we argued frequently. Every time we argued, especially days before the fight, it affected my performance big time.

“For example, on the eve of the weigh in of  my  WBA world light heavyweight title fight against Dmitry Bivol  in New Jersey, US in 2018, we had a huge argument and  I left the hotel and went to another hotel. I paid for a night, switched off my phone, bought a six pack of Bud Wiser beer and a packet of cigarettes to ease my frustrations.

“The following day, I woke up late feeling weak and  everyone, the promotion team, my team and the hotel staff  were looking for me and there I came with a terrible hangover and three kilogrammes overweight.

“I had to run on treadmill for three hours, sit in sauna heat for an hour to shake off  the extra weight. The day of the fight I was weak, I  was even surprised  that I went through all 12 rounds.

“I lost on unanimous points decision, but considering my condition, I could have been knocked out easily.”

Chilemba also recalled having been arrested by New York Police during another tour of duty.

“They found me sleeping under the bridge at 2 am. I had a fight with my girlfriend so I left the hotel, went to a nearby bar  and got drunk and smoked a lot.

“Then I decided not to go back to the hotel and early morning, I could not get another hotel. So, as I walked, I saw a bridge, went under it and slept until I was woken up by the police, asking me all sorts of questions. In the end, they took me back to the hotel.

“These kind of distractions are my biggest regrets as they were usually happening a few days before a fight and that affected me a lot.”

Nevertheless, Chilemba, who boasts 27 wins, nine losses and three draws said despite the setbacks, he was happy of his achievements.

He said: “Looking back now, I appreciate every moment I went through, bad and good moments, days I cried, laughed, got arrested, court days and the days I acted like a child. Trying drugs, besides my cigarettes and drinking.

“I appreciate everything, I learned a lot and I believe the experiences have helped me grow into what I am today. Over and above this, I truly appreciate all my fans; without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe Defector Zimba said despite some ups and downs, Chilemba remains one of the best boxers the country has ever produced.

He said: “Of course, there are lessons to be learnt from his life experiences, but he stands out  as an athlete who flew his country’s flag high because becoming a world champion is not an easy feat.

“Upcoming boxers can draw lessons from him and as a legend he can also act as a mentor for athletes in general.”

Chilemba, who made his professional debut in 2005, announced his retirement on health grounds, citing his weakening eye sight and broken rib.