Celebrated South Africa-based Malawian boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba says he is returning to the ring, almost two and half months after announcing his retirement on health grounds.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Chilemba said he has changed his mind and will face Russian Alexei Papin in an eight-round cruiserweight bout in Moscow on May 24.

“I got the offer from Russia last week, so I started training to see how my body will respond and if I can do a few more fights after the upcoming one” he said.

Chilemba further said that he is good and he took the offer to see if he still have it and the injuries haven’t given him any problems yet and he is hoping to remain like that till the fight

Meanwhile Chilemba said he is not regretting his U-turn because in life you never say never and  is not that easy to walk away from something that you have been done all your life.

However, Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said in an interview yesterday that they have welcomed Chilemba back in the fold.

“He still has the strength to stand the heat, but he will have to push harder. That said, my advice is that if there are some areas that he needs to correct, then this is the time, otherwise, we wish him well, he is our son and we are ready to give him all the support.” Zimba said

Chilemba boasts 27 wins, nine losses and three draws while Papin boasts 16 wins, including 15 knockouts and two losses.

Source:NPL