Vitali Klitschko to Face Dereck Chisora on Feb. 18, Haye Fight Off the Table For Now
by Scott Christ on Dec 12, 2011 11:52 AM EST
in Boxing News Analysis
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Reports out of Germany are that Vitali Klitschko will not be facing David Haye next, as was being negotiated recently, but instead will return to the ring on February 18 against another Brit heavyweight, Dereck Chisora.
WBC titleholder Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO) is looking to fight two times in 2012 before considering retirement, but hasn't made his mind up on that either way. Klitschko still wants to fight Haye, and that could happen later in the year. Haye is reportedly not quite in ring shape right now anyway, so giving him time to get ready and perhaps even take a tune-up fight might not be the worst thing.
For Chisora (15-2, 9 KO), it's a just reward after his robbery loss in Finland to Robert Helenius on December 3, a fight that Chisora clearly won but lost on split decision scores. Chisora had demanded a rematch with Helenius, but Helenius winning the European title in the fight put him in a position where he must defend against Alexander Dimitrenko. This is bigger money and a bigger fight anyway, so Chisora is lucky enough here to get what he would have had coming to him with the win he deserved.
The fight is set for Olympiahalle in Munich, and opens the March 3 date for brother Wladimir to defend his championship against Jean Marc Mormeck on that date, which has been rumored since their December 10 fight was postponed due to Klitschko battling kidney stones.
Chisora, 27, was previously set to face Wladimir on two dates in December 2010 and April 2011, before Wladimir finally negotiated his July 2 fight with Haye.
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I hope Chisora doesn’t get screwed out of a big pay day for the third time. I hope they’re not using him again as a negotiating tactic.
On the other hand, this will be Chisora’s third loss in a row (even if he really won against Helenius, his record will still say three losses in a row).
"He's still a very strong fighter, but I am way better than he is" - Miguel Cotto
Good for Chisora. He clearly won that fight against Helenius, and Vitali even gives him credit for doing so. He’ll get a nice payday, and has a shot to make his name after having a couple of shots at Wlad fall through.
by Verklemptomaniac on Dec 12, 2011 12:35 PM EST reply actions
Not the worst fight in the world
The Chisora that showed up against Helenius actually looked like a legit top-10 heavyweight, so I can’t hate on this fight.
I like this fight, a lot.
Provided Del Boy’s chin holds up early and Vitali doesn’t make him too tentative, this could be quite exciting while it lasts. Dereck will have to be in similar shape – probably better – to the Helenius fight, which would mean going into camp pretty soon. Tough turnaround for him, but hopefully he’ll be able to get himself fit and firing on all cylinders.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
Agreed. Could be the most entertaining Klitschko fight in a while.
by BangBangLampley on Dec 12, 2011 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
This could be hilarious
Vitali is a fairly awkward HW and so is Del Boy. This could be really entertaining or just plain weird, I haven’t really made up my mind on this one. I really liked the version of Del Boy that faced Helenius, but Vitali is not Helenius. I would like Wlad vs. Del Boy a little more than Vitali vs. Del Boy.
"The bell that tolls for all in boxing belongs to a cash register."
-Bob Verdi
Wlad would be far too slick for Chisora
Wlad will blow him up with the Jab and right cross all night and it will be very dull. His footwork will be far too good making Del Boy look plodding and combersome.
Vitali will at least stand and trade some with Chisora.
by Sweet science on Dec 12, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I agree. Vitali’s lack of speed makes this at least somewhat interesting.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 12, 2011 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
Del Boy is actually a pretty good fighter when he's not horribly overweight.
I really enjoy watching him close the distance with clever head movement. He gets inside on everyone with his bobbing and weaving, so I think he’s got a chance to make a fight with Vit a lot of fun.
Actually, these may be the 2 most entertaining heavies around, so, yeah, I’ll take it.
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