At long last! South Africa-based boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba’s bout against Russian Fedor Chudinov has finally been confirmed for February 20 in Moscow.
The about has been postponed three times due to Covid-19 and other logistical challenges in the past year.
But in an interview from his Johannesburg base yesterday, the former IBO world champion said the deal was signed on Monday night.
“The fight is finally happening. I was asked by my team if I could fight him on February 20th and I accepted.
“I knew they could give us a short notice at anytime, but four weeks of training suits me fine.
“Within four weeks of training, I’ll be ready. It’s done and we are good to go,” he said.
The 33-year-old Chilomoni Township raised boxer, said they will fight in super middleweight category.
“If I win this one then I could have another one and then challenge for a title,” said Chilemba who boasts of 26 wins (10 TKO), seven losses (one TKO) and two draws.
Chudinov, who is also 33, has won all his 23 bouts since turning professional. However, the celebrated Malawian boxer said he is not in a cold sweat with his opponent’s impressive record.
“Records are there to be broken and if I win this one, it will give me a big boost,” he said.
The bout was initially scheduled for March last year but was postponed due to Covid-19, it was then rescheduled for September, but it again failed to take place after Chudinov and his management team agreed to a mutual termination of their contract.
Chilemba last fought in December 2019 when he beat another Russian Alexander Kubich on unanimous points decision in Russia.
Malawi Professional Boxing Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said it is relieving that Chilemba has finally secured a bout.
“It is not good for a boxer of his calibre to stay for a long time without a bout because in the long run, it affects ratings,” he said.
