Light heavyweight Isaac Chilemba is scheduled to face Maksim Vlasov on July 20 at the Korston Club in Moscow, Russia. The bout is a rematch of a memorable 2011 affair.
On February 24, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma Chilemba was knocked down twice in the eighth round thanks to a couple of shots from Vlasov's right hand. Chilemba recovered and ultimately won a close unanimous decision: 96-92 on two cards, 95-94 on the third.
Since the loss to Chilemba, the first of his career, Vlasov has fought as heavy as 201 pounds and as light as 165. He's weighed in over 188 pounds in 12 of his last 13 fights. The 32 year old Russian has a 43-3 record with 26 KOs.
In 2015, Vlasov lost to Gilberto Ramirez, who has since become one of the best super middleweights in the world before he moved up to light heavyweight for his last fight. Last November, Vlasov lost in the quarterfinals of the World Boxing Super Series to Krzysztof Glowacki, who was involved in an incredibly bizarre fight with Mairis Briedis last week. Unlike Chilemba, both Ramirez and Glowacki are southpaws.
After the win over Vlasov, Chilemba fought Tony Bellew twice in 2013. Controversial judging in Bellew's home country left Chilemba with a 0-1-1 record in those bouts. In recent years, Chilemba has been a gatekeeper of sorts in the light heavyweight division. The 32 year old has lost four out of his last five fights, but all of his losses have been to the elite at 175.
In 2015, Chilemba lost a disputed decision to Eleider Alvarez near the latter's adopted hometown of Montreal, Canada. The following year Chilemba lost a decision to Sergey Kovalev in Russia. At the time, only Chilemba and Bernard Hopkins had maanged to go more than eight rounds with the Krusher.
Four months after the Kovalev fight, Chilemba broke his hand against the current lineal light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk, which forced the fight to conclude following the eighth round. After decisioning Blake Caparello last year, Chilemba lost on points to Dmitry Bivol. Artur Beterbiev is the only top five light heavyweight Chilemba hasn't fought and it isn't for lack of trying. Chilemba has taken to Twitter i nthe past to coax the power punching Beterbiev into the ring.
Isaac (25-6-2, 10 KOs) is a slick boxer who is defensively responsible.He has a good jab, but more often than not, prefers to pot-shot. Vlasov has a good right hand. Against Glowacki, he fought in spurts. Chilemba has also experienced offensive lulls within recent fights. Whereas the fight eight years ago featured fireworks, this time around it might be more of a strategic battle.
The rematch is scheduled for twelve rounds.
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