Golden chance
Revered South Africa-based Malawian boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba says he is set to revive his career in this evening’s non-title bout against Russian Alexander Kubich.
Chilemba faces Kubich in an eight-round cruiserweight bout in Thessaloniki, Greece.
“My preparations have been great. I arrived here [in Greece] last Saturday and I can’t wait for the bout. I am in great shape,” he said.
Asked to describe his opponent, the ‘Golden Boy’ said: “He is a tough fighter. He is damn good. We all know Russians are strong.
during his previous bout
“He is heavy-handed and, of course, he will be heavier as he is a natural cruiserweight, but I have speed, agility and stamina to outbox him.”
The 32-year-old boxer said Kubich normally weighs around 100 kilogrammes (kg).
“But the agreement is that he drops down to around 90kgs which is cruiserweight limit and I am currently at 84kgs.
“So, as I said, it is okey for me as I know he isn’t a threat,” said Chilemba, a former WBC world lightweight champion whose record stands at 25 wins (10KOs), seven losses (one KO)) and two draws.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe Zimba said Chilemba can bounce back.
“Chilemba is a hard-working boxer. He has done that before and he knows that this is a great opportunity for him to be considered for a world title bout again if he wins,” he said.
Chilemba’s last bout was in July this year against another Russian Maxim Vlasov in a 12-round World Boxing Organisation (WBO) global title, which he lost on unanimous points decision.
Kubich, 33, boasts 16 fights from which he has won 10 (six KOs), lost five (one KO) and drawn once. He turned professional in 2012.
