CHILATA BECOMES ZAMBIA'S FIRST BOXING QUARTERFINALIST AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 34 YEARS

Zambian Boxer Andrew Chilata created history by defeating the World Seed 8 Gomtsyan Artyush of Georgio to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2023 Boxing World Championships in Tashkent. The Georgian eighth seed, Artush Gomtsyan, dominated the first round, but Chilata came back stronger and secured a 4-0 unanimous points decision win to qualify for the last eight.

Chilata's win marks a significant moment for Zambia, as he is the first boxer since 1989 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Boxing Championships. The last boxer to reach the quarterfinals was the late Anthony Mwamba in 1989 in Moscow, Russia.

Chilata's achievement is even more impressive as he has risen through the ranks, starting with winning gold at the AUSC Region 5 games, Africa Boxing Region 4 Championships, and African Boxing Champion, and now he is one bout away from the medal bracket at the World Championships.

For the 21-year-old boxer, this is an opportunity to aim for the ultimate prize, the Gold medal. The World Championships being his first challenge overseas, Chilata says that everything is going to plan. He also thanked his Coaching Staff for the work that is being done behind the scenes.

Zambia boxing head coach Wisdom Mudenda has acknowledged the support received from all stakeholders for the team to be at the 2023 World Championships, and the boxers are progressing well.

Mudenda revealed that Zambia has had boxers who have participated at the World Boxing Championships, but none of them have ever gone past the second round. The last time Zambia was at the World Championships was in 2017 in Hamburg, Germany.

“Zambia has been to the World Championships in 2007 in Chicago USA, 2009 Milan Italy, and 2013 Almaty, Kazakhstan,” he said.

Chilata's victory has brought hope to Zambia's boxing scene, and the country is optimistic that he can go all the way and bring home the gold medal. The quarterfinals will be a tough challenge, but with Chilata's determination and skills, anything is possible.

The country is proud of his achievement and will be rooting for him in the next round.