Sergey Kovalev booking Andre Ward bout angers Isaac Chilemba
Wednesday 6 July 2016 11:53, UK
Isaac Chilemba is determined to punish Sergey Kovalev for his "total disrespect" in looking beyond Monday's bout.
The 29-year-old Chilemba (24-3-2-KO10) will challenge Russia's Kovalev (29-0-1-KO26) for the WBA Super, WBO and IBF world light-heavyweight titles in Ekaterinburg and is convinced he can upset the odds.
Helping to fuel the Malawi-born challenger's fire is the knowledge that Kovalev has already arranged a glitzy November bout with former super-middleweight king Andre Ward.
Chilemba told South African newspaper Sowetan: "Clearly they see me as a stepping stone and that's total disrespect.
"They are looking past me when we have not fought which means they see me as just a sparring partner. I am now going out there with more reason to beat this guy.
"I am going to teach him some manners and in the process make history by becoming the first African fighter to win three titles in one night."
British boxing fans may remember Chilemba from his back-to-back bouts against Tony Bellew, which ended in a split draw and a points victory for the Liverpudlian.
