Finchley heavyweight Dereck Chisora was buoyant yesterday about the prospect of fighting at The Copper Box and suggested that the Olympic Park arena would become his ‘new home venue’. Former World Title challenger Chisora, faces off against Edmund Gerber for the Vacant European Heavyweight Title on the 21st September at the venue, as chief support to Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder’s British Middleweight Title showdown; the action will all be shown Live and Exclusive on BoxNation.
For Chisora, the meeting with Gerber represents the chance to capture the belt he was robbed of by ridiculous judges’ scoring when he faced Robert Helenius in Finland just under two years ago. Since then Chisora’s career has been a whirlwind of controversy and high profile fights that have made become one of the most recognisable figures in British boxing, however he hold no regrets over the robbery: “Yeah I was robbed, but the guy I faced (Helenius) hasn’t done anything since and is more or less done. But I’ve had some huge fights since then.’
This time around he will face Edmund Gerber, and unlike his last attempt to win the European crown, he comes in as the favourite.
“I don’t know too much about Gerber, but I’ve watched his Michael Sprott fight. He has good handspeed but so do a lot of heavyweights now days, but despite this he’s still going to get smashed up in front of 7,000 fans at a rocking and rolling Copper Box Arena”
Chisora, who has been involved in various multi-sport press events to promote the opening of the iconic new venue praised the government’s legacy policy saying: “It’s fantastic that the government have made all these venue’s available for other events after the games as it gives everyone who couldn’t get to the Olympic games the chance to enjoy the Olympic Park!”
The controversial star also gave his prediction for long-time rival Wladmir Klitschko’s showdown with Alexander Povetkin which takes place next month: “I think Povetkin is going to struggle with the jab get broken down and stopped in somewhere around the 5th round’
Chisora also spoke of his desire to entice one of the Klitchsko brothers into a fight, and with it get another crack at the richest prize in sport: “For me winning the European title is a springboard to another shot at one of the Klitchsko brother, the belt opens door in the heavyweight game and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Watch the full interview here:
Chisora appears alongside a terrific undercard for The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park event, ‘Rock The Box’ which is headlined by the highly anticipated Saunders v Ryder showdown. Frankie Gavin defends his British and Commonwealth titles as he attempts to secure the Lonsdale belt outright and Merseyside’s exciting ‘Baby-Faced Assassin, British and Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Champion Paul Butler faces Chilean Miguel Gonzalez for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental title.
In addition to all this, a cracking Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Title showdown takes place between Liam Walsh and Joe Murray.
The hotly-touted Mitchell Smith also has his first tilt at a title when he faces Scott Moises for the Southern Area Super- Featherweight Title, whilst Super Middleweight sensation Frank Buglioni will be bringing his army of over 600 fans to the venue.
Top Amateur stars Georgie Kean and Josh Leather also debut on the barnstorming card.
Remaining tickets for the Copper Box Arena show are priced at:
£40 Upper Concourse
£50 Lower Seating Bowl
£70 Floor
£120 Ringside
And are available now from:
Eventim*
Box Office: 0844 269 1000
eventim.co.uk
