Chilemba back in top five
Malawi’s boxing icon Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba is back in the top five of the World Boxing Council (WBC) light-heavyweight category ratings and is now eligible for world title elimination bout.
The South Africa-based boxer has risen six places from 11th to fifth, according to the latest ratings released by the WBC.
This follows his recent unanimous points decision victory over Australian Blake Caparello in Australia in a WBC and World Boxing Association (WBA) joint international title bout.
The current holder of the belt is Adonis Stevenson from Haiti/Canada while Eleider Alvarez and Badou Jack From Colombia and The Gambia/Sweden are rated first and second, respectively.
Jose Smith Jnr (USA) and Karo Murat (Germany) are ranked third and fourth in that order.
Chilemba yesterday said in an interview he is happy to have fought his way back into the top five.
“This is what I had been looking forward to…I knew I would make it because before I fought Caparello, he was in the top five.
“I am back and can’t wait for the world title shot. I will not sit on my laurels until I challenge for the world title,” said Chilemba from Johannesburg.
The 30-year-old WBC international light-heavyweight champion said he is hoping to challenge for the title after two or three fights.
“After two to three fights I should be ready to get on that WBC world title. God is great.”
Before facing Caparello, Chilemba—whose record stands at 25 wins (10 KOs), five losses (one KO) and two draws—had spent a year and four months on the sidelines due to a serious elbow injury he suffered during a North American Boxing Federation (Nabf) title bout against Ukranian Aleksandr Gyvozdyk in November 2016 which was his third successive loss.
Meanwhile, Caparello has slumped over 10 places down the ratings to 18th following his loss to Chilemba.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba described Chilemba’s rise as remarkable.
“It speaks volumes of his character. When Isaac sets goals, he makes sure to achieve them, he is an exceptional boxer the locals should learn from him,” he said.
