Celebrated boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba has said he lost last Sunday night’s WBC light-heavyweight title eliminator to Anthony Bellew because he was not in good mood.
Chilemba, considered one of the best pugilists to have emerged on the domestic scene, posted on his Facebook page early in the week that he was disappointed to lose the bout.
Two judges scored the bout 116-112 and the third judge 117-112 to Bellew.
The ‘Golden Boy’ also insisted that Bellew is not better than him despite losing on unanimous points in the bout held at O2 Arena in London, England.
However, the 26-year-old Chilemba congratulated his opponent for winning to become a mandatory challenger to Chad Dawson or Adonis Stevenson, who meet next month.
“Back in South Africa, still feeling very disappointed. Losing is one thing, but losing the way I did hurts more. Bellew isn’t a better fighter than me (well done to him for winning). I was just off on the night,” said Chilemba.
He vowed to recover from the loss.
“The ‘Golden Boy’ is not finished yet, I will be back stronger and more determined than ever,” he declared.
He also paid tribute to the fans who made it to London to watch the fight.
“Special thanks to my manager Jodi and trainer Buddy. To all those who travelled to the UK for the fight, thank you, thank you, thank you,” he wrote.
His record after the loss stands at 20 wins, two draws and two losses after turning professional in South Africa in 2005.
