South Africa-based Malawian light heavyweight boxer Isaac Chilemba’s wish to fight on home soil remains in the pipeline after Youth Boxing Promotion (YBP) encountered a setback.
YBP Managing Director Salimu Chazama said their plan to fix a bout for the celebrated boxer later this year had been put on hold after a potential sponsor withdrew.
“We had plans to fix Chilemba’s bout later this year but now we are back to square one because the potential sponsor has pulled back,” Chazama said.
The stable has budgeted the fight at K50 million to cater for purse money [boxers’ contractual fees] and other logistics.
However, Chazama said it was a tight budget for an international fight.
“We, at Youth Boxing Club, do not take shortcuts. If we are to stage this bout, it means we have to pay for return air tickets for Chilemba, his opponent and cornermen.
“We are also supposed to pay money for accommodation and the venue. At the same time, we have to make payments for supporting fights. If you look at all that, you will appreciate that the budget is on the lower side,” he said.
Chilemba, 36, could not be reached for a comment.
Golden Boy, as Chilemba is known, has a record of 27 (11 knockouts) wins, 10 defeats and three draws. Chilemba has won various belts including the WBO Africa, WBC International (both at light heavyweight) and African Boxing Union African at super middleweight. Similar efforts in the past died in the pipeline. Chilemba turned professional while in South Africa. In Malawi, he fought in the amateur category only.
Female pugilist Agness Mtimaukanena said there was a need for stakeholders to support local stables for them to be staging international fights.
“Chilemba is one of the best boxers on the continent and fighting at home could inspire millions of people.
“However, without adequate support, that fight will not take place. It is my hope that the corporate world will come in to assist,” Mtimaukanena said.
In April this year, YBP organised an international heavyweight non-title fight between Mussa Ajibu and South African pugilist Ruann Visser.
Ajibu beat Visser on unanimous decision in a 10-round contest at Elsberg Sports and Leisure Centre in Lilongwe.
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