Having watched the fight on British TV, it’s very easy to get swayed by the commentators and write Isaac Chilemba (20-1-1, 9 KO’s) off. Thankfully I’m smart enough to, in my opinion, to effectively judge a fight myself. The scoring of 116-112 for Chilemba was ridiculed by many – but one that accurately matched my score.
If any kids out there have an aspiration to become a boxer, watching Chilemba is a perfect example of how to stay calm, how to not get dragged into tear-up, how to cope with dirty tactics, how to stay away from shots, and how to turn an opponent’s frustration into his own weakness. Because that is exactly what Chilemba did.
In fact, it became rather comical watching Bellew swing like a drunk. The amount of times he missed, in comparison with the amount of times he was countered, was no surprise as it was clear to see that the boxing brain was with the Malawian. Chilemba’s camp mentioned a flu which hindered his performance. Now, I hate excuses after a fight, but this is something I would be very comfortable in accepting. Chilemba looked physically weaker early on, he fought in little bursts, and at times he troubled Bellew and really could’ve piled the pressure on. Buddy McGirt’s fighters know how to fight, and there’s no way he would allow them to sit back and watch an opponent troubled. But in the second half of the fight, his body warmed up and he visibly looked better. Once he took the center of the ring, Chilemba made the Liverpool-man look very much what he currently is – a domestic level fighter at best.
A rematch will happen. It will probably be another boring fight, but a very educational one. It will be interesting to see a 100%-fit Chilemba. My hard-earned money will go on decision-win for Chilemba – that is unless Bellew seriously changes things.
On a plus-note for Eddie Hearn and co, it gives their man the opportunity to rack up some experience if he is to ever survive with the likes of Chad Dawson. Because on the performance of last night, I feel he would get brutally exposed.
Eddie Hearn thinks so too.
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