By James Slater – When top British promoter Frank Warren first made public the offer his fighter Derek Chisora had received from the Wladimir Klitschko camp, fans almost universally felt the idea was bordering on the ludicrous. A 14-fight “novice” going in with the best heavyweight on the planet? Even Warren himself had doubts about letting the British and Commonwealth champ in with the world ruler. However, as he has written on his official web site, the promoter is “coming round to the idea.”
Warren also writes that he is becoming convinced that “Del Boy” can actually win the fight. December 11th is the date the fight will go ahead if the fighter and promoter agree to it, and Warren says the 26-year-old Londoner has told him he wants the fight..
“I had reservations because Del Boy has only had 14 pro fights and Klitschko is world number one,” Warren said. “But I am coming round to the idea. Not only does Chisora want a chance, I’m starting to think he can win it. Is Chisora against Klitschko any less legitimate than David Haye against Audley Harrison? At least Del Boy is preparing to fight Klitschko.
“The money on the table is not amazing, but Derek has told me he just wants the opportunity to prove himself. Samuel Peter was a walking punch bag when he fought Klitschko, but if Chisora does land the fight he’ll be in great condition. I’ve always believed Klitschko has trouble against mobile heavyweights. Chisora moves like a middleweight when he wants to, has a good chin and a big heart.”
Indeed, Chisora, after his recent rematch win over Sam Sexton, got people in the UK excited that, at last, British fight fans had a heavyweight to get behind. Showing great stamina and energy, Chisora looked superb against Sexton. But, and it’s a big but, we must realise that boxing is all about levels. Looking great at British and Commonwealth level is one thing, but going in with the mighty Klitschko, arguably one of the best big men of the last ten years, is something else entirely.
Still, Warren makes some good points about Chisora’s mobility and heart. Could the 14-0 contender give “Dr. Steel Hammer” some serious trouble with his fast hands and fast feet? Critics and those people against the idea of Chisora challenging Wladimir will point to the destruction job the 34-year-old did on “Fast” Eddie Chambers recently; with Chambers being a far superior and more experienced fighter to Chisora. And this is a valid point, could Chisora possibly do a better job of getting past the world champ’s punishing left jab than the Philly boxer did?
Warren asks, is Chisora Vs. Klitschko less legit than Haye Vs. Harrison. Maybe it isn’t, but in truth, who aside from us Brits is looking at the Nov. 13th fight as a “real” heavyweight title match? How will the international fans take to Klitschko Vs. Chisora if it happens? With as much cynicism as they have for the fight Klitschko has called “the London championship,” most probably.
Of course, Chisora and Warren will have the last laugh if the biggest heavyweight upset this side of Leon Spinks W15 Muhammad Ali occurs!