The 29 year old Malawian boxer, Isaac Chilemba lost the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO light heavyweight championships with a 12-round unanimous decision fall out to Russian Sergey Kovalev.
The fight was on Monday at the DIVS Sports Palace in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
Scores were 117-110, 116-111 and 118-109, all for the “Krusher,” who improved to 30-0-1 (26 KOs).
Chilemba (24-4-2, 10 KOs) offered far more resistance than many anticipated.
Chilemba fondly knonw as ‘Golden Boy’ in Malawi, stayed close through six rounds, largely because of a stinging and consistent left jab, superb movement and a stout chin. Alas, the famous Kovalev power proved too much for him to overcome.
The Russian champion floored Chilemba with a wicked right cross in the seventh round and had him reeling again with power punches in the eighth.
The former IBO super middleweight titleholder, having never been stopped in his 30-fight career, refused to give in.
Kovalev who has won his last 14 fights cruised for much of the final four rounds.
He had Chilemba in real danger in the closing stages of round 12, as he flurried with e clear desire to finish, but could not close the deal and was forced to settle for the decision.
One day is oneday never give up proud for you sharp sharp
Yet Chilemba is our Champion no matter what has happened. Very few can reach his status. We are proud of him. Prod on Our Golden Boy. This is not the end nor will it be ur last bout. We love you so much.