Dmitry Bivol (13-0, 11 KOs) of St. Petersburg, Russia showed he belongs with the elite of this competitive division. He retained his WBO World Light Heavyweight Championship belt over one of the toughest contenders in the division, Isaac Chilemba (25-6-2, 10 KOs) of Malawi. Scores were 120-108 on two cards, and 116-112 on the third.
Bivol came out aggressively, backing up Chilemba with snapping jabs, setting up an array of power shots. Chilemba, known for his fortitude as one of the toughest tests for any light heavyweight to pass, found himself battered by Bivol and trying to find a way past his defensive movement.
Chilemba has earned his reputation as a worthy challenger, and remained determined. In the later rounds, he adjusted to Bivol's offense, finding ways to score punches on the young Russian and slow down his offense. But in the end, Bivol's speed, power, and accuracy were too much for Chilemba.
"Chilemba is a good fighter, and he had champion spirit tonight," said Bivol. "He is a strong fighter. I want to fight more good fighters. I don't know who my next opponent will be.
"We will see what will happen ... I just want to fight the best fighters."
Chilemba said - "I believe I won every round from the fifth. I pushed Bivol backwards and made him miss. I deserve a rematch."
Chilemba: I Won Every Round From 5th On, I Want Bivol Rematch
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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Re: Chilemba: I Won Every Round From 5th On, I Want Bivol Rematch
lol nah, cards were rightfully wide, maybe you can find a round or two for him but wide loss
i did think he beat alvarez and bellew the first time though. but even then he didnt work enough to really put them beyond doubt. thats his style really
i did think he beat alvarez and bellew the first time though. but even then he didnt work enough to really put them beyond doubt. thats his style really
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 101347
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Chilemba: I Won Every Round From 5th On, I Want Bivol Rematch
How do you think he would fair against Yarde?
Clearly, Yarde is too good for Domestic level, but not yet ready for a world title shot.
Re: Chilemba: I Won Every Round From 5th On, I Want Bivol Rematch
given that chilemba is ultra proven in going rounds and giving problems to top fighters with power, i think hed take yarde the route. i would favor yarde but id expect chilemba to have more success against him then anyone has, defo win some rounds at least, unless yardes even better then i thought
Re: Chilemba: I Won Every Round From 5th On, I Want Bivol Rematch
Chilemba is the LHW gatekeeper to the A level. Bivol passed the test with flying colours. He showed another side to his skill set, when he couldn't get the KO early, he boxed smart and skillfully, earning my respect at least.
A puncher who is also a boxer, and proven against a slick, tough, fit and experienced campaigner
A puncher who is also a boxer, and proven against a slick, tough, fit and experienced campaigner
Re: Chilemba: I Won Every Round From 5th On, I Want Bivol Rematch
Wow, I'm floored. Chilemba is a fool for wanting a rematch. He didn't win a single round. Maybe one or two if you're nice. Actually, I probably shouldn't say that. I was uninterested after a while since Bivol was so dominant.
Not to say Chilemba is awful, though. The guy is proven to give the absolute top fighters problems. I thought'd he'd make Beterbiev look human when everyone was raging that he'd KO Kovalev. Too bad it never happened.
Chilemba should move on to other contenders. Get another surprise win.
Not to say Chilemba is awful, though. The guy is proven to give the absolute top fighters problems. I thought'd he'd make Beterbiev look human when everyone was raging that he'd KO Kovalev. Too bad it never happened.
Chilemba should move on to other contenders. Get another surprise win.