Isaac Chilembe

Born on May 17, 1987 in Blantyre, Malawi, the highly talented Miguel Isaac Chilemba Zuze has the charm and intelligence to have pursued a career in a variety of fields, yet instead, he decided to become a prize fighter. It was a wise decision, since the 22-year-old Chilembe has already made fine strides in his profession and is on the fringes of obtaining world recognition.

Having begun his fighting career on October 19, 2005 in South Africa, the "Golden Boy" has a record of 13-1, with 8 knockouts, and is a multi-skilled boxer with a dazzling assortment of punches. His career got off to a flying start with three stoppage wins in as many contests, but after going 8-0 (6 knockouts) Chilembe dropped a close 6-round points decision to the hard-fighting Wilberforce Shihepo on July 7, 2007.

Keen to reverse that setback, Chilembe eagerly agreed to a rematch, and a little over four months later, he avenged his only loss by pounding out a well-deserved victory over six rounds. Alternating his efforts between super middleweight and light heavyweight, Chilembe beat David Kitooke (TKO 8) and Chamunorwa Gonorenda (KO 4) in the early part of last year, before challenging Charles Adamu for the vacant Africa Boxing Union super middleweight title at Emperors Palace on September 13, 2008. The good-looking Chilembe fashioned an impressive 12-round win on the night, with scores that reflected his marked superiority; (117-110), (120-108), 9118-109) over an opponent with admirable credentials.

In June 2009, the transplanted Malawian fought erstwhile rival David Kitooke for the vacant WBO Africa light heavyweight belt and once again rose to the occasion, winning by scores of (118-110), (116-111) and (120-110).

Promoted by Golden Glove s Promotions (PTY) Ltd, coached by Colin Nathan and managed by Jody Solomon, the affable Chilembe is a threat to most light heavyweights in the world and though he still requires a fair degree of work, it's perhaps understandable that his promoter Rodney Berman believes he'll be ready for a world championship outing in the next twelve months.

Currently being primed for an October 31 meeting with undefeated WBC International light heavyweight champion Doudou Ngumbu of France, the sharp-witted Chilembe has a firm understanding of the challenge ahead.

"This will be my first real test" he said. "But I mean to take the opportunity with both hands and I feel confident of winning the title".

It couldn't happen to a nicer guy.