Chisora slaps Klitschko at weigh in

By Boxing News - 02/17/2012 - Comments

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By John F. McKenna (McJack): The always unpredictable and fiery challenger Dereck Chisora (15-2, 9 KO’s) gave WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO’s) a hard slap to the face at the weigh in ahead of their showdown at the Olympiahalle in Munich, Germany Saturday night.

Whether or not the slap was a further effort on “Del-Boy’s” part to get under Vitali’s skin is unknown. Klitschko however, did look quite surprised and appeared angered by Chisora’s slap.

The two men were pulled apart to prevent a fight before the fight as Klitschko looked on furiously. Klitschko walked away from the weigh in with a huge red mark on the side of his face.

The Chisora camp said that they were unaware of the stunt beforehand and insisted that it had not been pre arranged. Chisora’s trainer Don Charles called the slap unacceptable and also appeared angered at his eccentric fighter.

Promoter Francis Warren, who was representing his father, was quoted in the Mirror SPORT saying:

“We’re all scratching our heads about it to be honest. You always expect something from Dereck, he’s a character. But it’s usually something that winds people up or is a bit jovial.

“So for him to get physical and aggressive, unprovoked, is surprising. But at the end of the day I’m sure there’s a method to his madness and we’ll find out if the madness has paid off tomorrow night.”

Warren went on to say that he was not expecting the slap and was surprised by it. However at this time Warren said that he will remain focused on Saturday night and Chisora’s attempt to dethrone the huge Ukrainian.

Chisora points to his performance in December against Robert Helenius as evidence that he will not be bothered by the height advantage enjoyed by Klitschko. Helenius is approximately the same size as the towering Vitali and “Del-Boy” was able to take the fight to him by being aggressive. Chisora lost that fight on the official scorecards, but most boxing pundits thought that he had clearly won.

“Dr. Ironfist” also thought that Chisora won the fight and picked him as his opponent for Saturday night. Vitali, from his own perspective believes that Dereck will be an interesting opponent. Klitschko has said in recent days that he enjoys being tested by the strongest and best challengers.



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