Due to the fact that the Russian has an exclusive deal with HBO, Kovalev’s representative at Main Events, Kathy Duva decided against entering into a purse bid and Chilemba is now on red alert for a potential fight with Stevenson in the coming months.
As Kovalev has a stipulated fight with Nadjib Mohammedi lined up and Stevenson is no longer in his immediate future, Chilemba is keen to step in and take his warranted shot at the WBC champion as the current top-ranked fighter with the organisation.
“The possibility of fighting Adonis Stevenson has only just come up so I am not sure yet what my team has discussed or planned as of yet, but I am ready to face the best of the best and I am certainly willing and able to fight Stevenson,” Chilemba exclusively told World Boxing News.
Regarding the ongoing situation between Kovalev and Stevenson, the Malawian added: “I believe Kathy Duva is a great promoter who knows exactly what she is doing. If she believes that is the best move for Kovalev then I believe it must be a good decision.”
Chilemba is closing in on a fight with Stevenson, although when signing with Main Events it was immediately assumed that the talented boxer would be in prime position to challenge Kovalev – being under the same banner. It is highly possible that a fight with Stevenson or Kovalev could happen in 2015 and Chilemba has no preference as to whom he eventually shares the ring with.
“The putting together of a fight is up to my team, but as a far as who I would rather face, I am happy to face either. The only this is that I have worked hard to get to number one with the WBC and Stevenson is the champion.
“In their last fights, Kovalev was ok against Jean Pascal but it was not the greatest fight I have ever seen. As for Stevenson, his fight with Sakio Bika was a terrible fight, Bika had no boxing skills, although he did show heart, but Stevenson didn’t do anything to take advantage of the fight.
“Each of them is different and both come with their own challenges, but I don’t mind who comes first as long as I get my shot at a world title.”
Finally, when prompted for a prediction on Kovalev’s slated summer outing with Mohammedi, Chilemba concluded bluntly: “Kovalev should win with ease!”
