By James Slater: Top British promoter Frank Warren today announced how his fighter Derek Chisora, unbeaten in 14 pro bouts, has signed to face world heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko in Germany on December 11th. For days now, we have heard talk that “Del Boy,” the reigning British and Commonwealth heavyweight champ, might face “Dr. Steel Hammer,” and now it’s 100-percent official; the 26-year-old will take the massive gamble in less than two month’s time!
Not only has Chisora’s signature on the contract made a fight with Wladimir official, but the signed contract also states that the 14-0(9) challenger must face WBC heavyweight ruler Vitali Klitschko in his very next fight if he wins. This is common practice, it seems, when it comes to a Klitschko deal; but does anyone really expect Chisora to shock and defeat the peaking 34-year-old who holds the Ring magazine, IBF, WBO and IBO titles?
Promoter Warren acknowledges how big a job his fighter has ahead of him on Dec. 11th.
“It’s in the contract that if he beats Wladimir then he has to face Vitali next,” Warren said of the contract “Del Boy” has just signed. “But he’s got a big job ahead of him first.”
No kidding! Chisora, fresh off his career-best win – the 9th-round stoppage of Sam Sexton – has the look of a very good fighter, maybe even one who could go on to rule at world level some day. But now, after so little pro experience? It’s one audacious move, Chisora going in with such an accomplished fighter as Klitschko at this early stage of his career. Not since Leon Spinks famously upset a fading Muhammad Ali in 1978 has such a “novice-like” fighter challenged for the world title. Are we about to see a shock similar to the one we saw in February of ’78 though?
Chisora certainly thinks so – not that he would consider it an upset if he beat Wladimir! Chisora is already talking about “dealing with” Wladimir AND Vitali!
“This is about glory for me and becoming the heavyweight champion of the world, something I’ve dreamed about since I started boxing,” Chisora said. “[David] Haye will not fight the Klitschkos as long as they are champions, but I’m up for the fight and will take them on.
“The Klitschkos have ruled for too long and I can’t wait to get in the ring in Germany and smash the living daylights out of Wladimir first. Vitali is waiting in the background and I’ll deal with him once I’ve dealt with Wladimir. An opportunity like this one may not come around again for a long time so I’ve got to take it now and believe me, one shot is all I need!”
It’s hard not to like Chisora’s attitude, and who knows, maybe with his nice left jab, his decent power and his fine boxing skills, he will give Wladimir a rough night. It’s extremely tough to be able to envision Chisora doing any more than that, however, and an upset win does look doubtful. Still, in terms of British heavyweights, who else is out there for the Klitschkos? Certainly not David Haye, who has found reason after reason for failing to do what Derek Chisora is going to do in December.
For having the self belief Haye apparently does not have, “Del Boy” should be congratulated.