Chilemba challenges former WBO champion

South Africa-based Malawian boxer Isaac Chilemba has challenged former WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly.

Chilemba hopes to beat the British boxer so that he qualifies for a title fight against champion Juergen Braehmer.

Cleverly and his promoter Eddie Hearn have announced their intention to secure Braehmer.

Chilemba who was also hoping to fight Braehme, believes they should trade blows first to see who deserves to face the champion.

“I definitely would like a shot at Cleverly as he is one of the top ranked fighters and a good fighter,” Chilemba exclusively told World Boxing News.

“I think before he [Cleverly] thinks of Braehmer’s WBA title he should dance with me as I was also targeting the same belt as him. The best out of us, in other words, the winner, then deserves a title shot. Counsel. I hope he, his team and Main Event make this fight happen soon,” Boxingnews.com quoted Chilemba.

However, Cleverly seems eager to face the champion Braehmer than Chilemba.

It’s time to get it on now. First and foremost, I’ve got to get this Braehmer fight and become world champion again,” Cleverly told Skysports.com.

If the fight fails to happen Chilemba, 28, will fight on the undercard of Sergey Kovalev’s in June.

Sullivan Barrera, Andre Ward, Jean Pascal are some options for Chilemba.

Chilemba last fought in November last year when he lost to EleiderAlvalez in Canada.

The loss meant the former IBO and WBC champion has missed out a chance to challenge for a world title.