Chilemba Discusses Erdei Fight, Ward-Dawson, More

By Ryan Burton

Light heavyweight contender Isaac Chilemba (19-1-1) faces former champion Zsolt Erdei (33-0) on September 29th at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut in a fight televised by HBO. Chilemba, who held the IBO title in the super middleweight division, talks about the keys to coming out with a victory, his future and more in this exclusive BoxingScene.com interview. 

BoxingScene.com: First off give us your thoughts on your upcoming fight versus Zsolt Erdei.

Isaac Chilemba: It will be my biggest fight up to date so I’m excited and grateful for being given this opportunity.

BoxingScene.com:  What is the key to you coming away with the victory?

Isaac Chilemba: Dedication, discipline and my desire to achieve are all at the forefront of my game plan.

BoxingScene.com: This is your first fight on HBO. You must be excited.  How does it feel to be fighting on a premier network?

Isaac Chilemba: It is a huge opportunity and I am not taking it lightly.  I am working ten times harder than ever to prove I have earned a rightful place on networks like HBO.

BoxingScene.com: Erdei is a former champion and undefeated fighter. What do you think a win over him does for your career?

Isaac Chilemba: I too am a former world champion and his unbeaten record does not intimidate me at all as he has never fought an opponent like me. A win over him will help me reach my goal of stepping into the ring as a challenger for the world title and will bring me closer to becoming the world’s greatest.

BoxingScene.com: If you get the win like you plan who would you like to fight in the future?

Isaac Chilemba: Any and all of the top ranked fighters in my division.

BoxingScene.com: You had a draw against Thomas Oosthuizen in 2010. Would you like to fight him again?

Isaac Chilemba: That is a question you should ask him. As I said I am ready to step in the ring with anyone to prove I am the world’s greatest.

BoxingScene.com: There is a big fight coming up a division below you between Andre Ward and Chad Dawson. Who do you think wins that fight and why?

Isaac Chilemba: I think both fighters are talented fighters however I think Ward stands a better chance of winning as he is a spoiler.

BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans out there?

Isaac Chilemba: I want to say thanks for all their support and I hope to keep them entertained and give them a good night of fighting come the 29th of September.

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