Issac Chilemba put himself back into the mix at 175 pounds.

The 26-year-old South African outclassed Denis Grachev on Saturday's editon of NBC Sports Network's Fight Night from The Sands in Bethlehem, Pa. One judge had it a shutout, 100-90, while the other two judges scored it 99-91.

It was Grachev's second consecutive loss and third defeat in four fights. The other two losses were to Edwin Rodriguez and Lucian Bute. 

Chilemba (22-2-2, 9 knockouts) was in control throughout the entire fight. He boxed the hard-charging Grachev (13-3-1, 8 KOs) from the outside, and dictated pace with his educated jab. 

Chilemba was badly in need of a win over a contender. He fought Tony Bellew twice in 2013, losing once and settling for a draw in the other. 

Chilemba is rated No. 9 by THE RING at light heavyweight.