South African hope Wassim Chellan added another title to his resume when he beat Malawian Denis Mwale to lift the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) International Welterweight title on Friday night, October 13, at Goodwood Correctional Centre in Cape Town.
Entering the fight as the WBF All Africa titlist, only Chellan could win the International title as Mwale had missed weight after two attempts, so the local man was in with a heavier opponent, and one with plenty of experience.
It was a barn-burner from the start, and Chellan was on the floor in the first round from a slip which was ruled a knock-down by referee Elroy Marshal. Both men refused to take a backwards step, and it was all action with the crowd on its feet from start to finish.
After the ten toughest rounds of Chellan´s career, he was declared the winner by split decision as judges Clifford Mbelu and Sipho Ndongeni scored it 96-93 and 97-92 for Chellan, while judge Rachel Kamko had it 96-93 for Mwale.
A pro since 2020, 27-year-old Chellan is now 8-0 (3). Mwale (33), who entered the paid ranks in 2017, drops to 9-6 (4).
Promoter of the event was Jackie Brice Boxing Promotions.
