Chilemba shelves world title bout
Celebrated South Africa-based Malawian boxing icon Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba has postponed what would have been his first-ever professional bout on home soil due to “logistical challenges”.
The boxer had planned to challenge reigning champion Emil Markic of Croatia for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) light heavyweight belt at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe later this month.
It would have also been the first-ever world title bout to be staged in the country.
“There was a request I put forward to government through the Ministry [of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development] to assist me in some areas because there are a number of logistical issues involved when organising a world title bout, but up to now I am yet to get a response.
“So, I have been left with no choice, but to put the fight on hold until probably February or March [next year] with the hope that I will have received the feedback by then,” said the 31-year-old boxer from his Johannesburg base.
Chilemba said he suspects that the recent Cabinet reshuffle might have affected the progress of the matter as it was being handled by the previous sports minister Francis Kasaila.
“The last time I spoke to him [Kasaila], he assured me that they were working on it, but the next thing I heard was that he had been assigned another portfolio. Nevertheless, my management team has been in touch with WBF and Markic’s team on the developments.
“But I am still positive that it will work because I have the support of WBF president Howard Goldberg who is even prepared to come.
“I have also requested for an audience with His Excellency the President [Peter Mutharika] on the same. Since I turned professional, I have never fought at home and I feel this could be the fight of my life,” he said.
Director of Sports in the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Jameson Ndalama referred the matter to the ministry’s spokesperson Christina Mkutumula, who asked for more time to follow up on the issue.
Chilemba’s last attempt for a world title was in August this year when he lost on unanimous decision to Dimitry Bivol in a 12-round light heavyweight World Boxing Association (WBA) bout in the United States.
The former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) world champion’s record stands at 25 wins (10KOs), six losses (one KO) and two draws.
