By James Slater: German newspaper BILD has reported how reigning WBC heavyweight king Vitali Klitschko will make the next defence of his title in February of next year, against former British champ Dereck Chisora.
“Dr. Iron Fist,” in speaking with the publication, said Chisora “is an interesting opponent. For me he clearly won the European title fight against [Robert] Helenius.”
Chisora was, in the opinion of practically all experts and fans alike, blatantly robbed of a deserved points win back on September 3rd in Finland. But, as things have turned out, some good has come from the “loss” the warrior known as “Del Boy” suffered at the hands of the hyped Helenius. Poetic justice it really is for Chisora to get a shot at Vitali, when twice he was within touching distance of a shot at younger brother Wladimir.
But what chance does the 27-year-old with the 15-2(9) record have of winning the fight that is set for Munich, Germany on Feb. 18th?
Although 40-year-old Klitschko is a totally different, far more accomplished fighter than Helenius is, Chisora’s impressive performance against the unbeaten Finn showed that at the very least the 6’1” Brit can hang tough, even dominate, a modern day giant (“The Nordic Nightmare” stands a fraction below 6’7” and has a reach of 79” – measurements comparable to those of Vitali). A fine inside fighter who has good head movement, Chisora may well make the action incredibly interesting, not to mention exciting, when he rumbles with Klitschko in a little over two months time.
At age 40, Vitali has to “go” some time, and an active, on form, in shape Chisora just might be the man who finds himself being in the right place at the right time. Of course, Vitali will enter the ring as a considerable favourite, but Chisora will come to fight and fight hard. Angry at the way he was robbed against Helenius, Chisora – who looked a totally different fighter to that overweight guy who lost on points to Tyson Fury – is as motivated as can be right now.
Trainer Don Charles has always said his man “Del Boy” fights well against taller men. Chisora sure proved that against Helenius. With former WBA champ David Haye out of the picture for now (there is still talk Haye might face Vitali, who wants “at least two more fights in 2012 before letting his fans make a decision on whether or not he should retire,” in the summer), Chisora is arguably the most dangerous challenger Vitali could have picked.
Will Vitali become the first man to KO Chisora? Or will the challenger either cause the momentous upset or, failing that, fight well enough to hear the final bell in February? On paper, a very intriguing fight.