Chilemba raring to shake Moscow

Celebrated South Africa-based Malawian boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba says he is relishing to bounce back in the ring tonight with a victory when he faces Russian Alexei Papin in Moscow.

It will be his first fight since coming out of his brief retirement.

The two face-off in an eight-round non-title cruiserweight bout.

In an interview from the Russian capital, Chilemba, a former super middleweight champion, said he is ready for his opponent, who boasts 16 wins, including 15 knockouts, and two losses.

He said: “His record doesn’t scare me at all. I have been through thick and thin in this business.

“I am feeling great and looking forward to the bout. I am done with my preparations and it’s now just about tuning up.”

The 37-year-old, who boasts 27 wins, nine losses and three draws, said he has picked up on fitness.

“Fitness has kicked in and I have not had problems with my injured rib. So, yes, I am ready,” said Chilemba.

On the other hand, Papin was quoted by athletistic.com as having said he was cautious of Chilemba.

“We will be able to say if he is still the same Isaac Chilemba after the fight, but there are people who have taken a peep at his camp and they say he is in good shape,” he was quoted as having said.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said although Chilemba has not fought for a while, his experience is vital.

“Of course, Chilemba is up against a tough opponent, but he is a battle-hardened boxer who has seen it all. I am sure he will be out to prove that he is not a spent force,” he said.