By James Slater: With regards to his heavyweight contender, British and Commonwealth champ Derek Chisora, promoter Frank Warren is thinking big. Literally. On his official web site, Warren has made it clear he wants the huge, 7’2” former World Boxing Association (WBA) ruler Nikolai Valuev next for the unbeaten hope known as “Del Boy.”
Chisora, still only 26-years-old and now 14-0(9) after last night’s impressive 9th-round stoppage of Sam Sexton (in a rematch), is full of self belief and he has said many times he is destined for great things. Fast, lively and full of stamina last night in Birmingham, Chisora did look as though he might be the most athletic big man in Britain next to current WBA heavyweight boss David Haye. And Warren feels his fighter’s speed and agility would see him through to a win over the huge but lumbering “Russian Giant.”
“I’m not saying it would be easy for Derek,” Warren said of a fight with Valuev. “ But with his work rate and hand speed, he would give Valuev problems and win. I want to talk to Valuev’s promoter Wilfred Sauerland about it. He’s [Chisora] only had 14 pro fights, but he showed tonight (against Sexton) his potential. The one fight I really want for him is Audley Harrison, but we obviously can’t do that because Harrison is fighting Haye. But I would have made that in a heartbeat.”
But can Warren make the Valuev fight? The Russian colossus, last seen losing his WBA crown via a points defeat to David Haye, has needed shoulder injury and it’s not clear when he will be able to fight again. And when or if Valuev does step back into the ring, would he even look at a fight with Chisora? A big payday aside, what could Warren offer Valuev with such a fight?
Still, if the fight did happen, either in the U.K or in Germany, it would be some big opportunity for the cocksure Chisora. Look what the win over Valuev did for Haye? The November 2009 points win is still the one fight Haye is best known for amongst casual boxing fans. If Chisora, with his natural ability, were to get the job done in greater style than “The Hayemaker” did, just think how much praise he would get. As for a Chisora KO! Well, needless to say that would make “Del Boy” a major international star.
Let’s see if Valuev/Sauerland are at all interested in taking the fight. If not, there are further intriguing fights out there for the unified British and Commonwealth champ. How about Chisora Vs. a certain Tyson Fury?