By John F. McKenna (McJack): When challenger Dereck Chisora (15-2, 9 KO’s) slapped World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO’s) a day ahead of their heavyweight title clash Saturday night at the Olympiahalle in Munich, Germany it was in essence the slap heard around the world.
Let’s face it, most people who are not dyed in the wool boxing fans, have paid little attention to Chisora or his challenge to take Klitschko’s WBC heavyweight title. That all changed at the weigh in on Friday when “Del-Boy” gave Vitali a hard slap across the face. The slap was delivered with force and caused the left side of Klitschko’s face to immediately redden.
After delivering the slap Dereck quickly retreated out of harms way so that Vitali could not retaliate. Afterwards “Dr. Ironfist” said that he would respond appropriately with his fists in the ring on Saturday night.
I must admit that this writer was somewhat skeptical when the story initially broke about the “Chisora slap”. After all, boxing fans have been conditioned by fighters for years who have engaged in similar antics to hype a fight that had not generated any interest. It appears however that the slap may not have been planned in advance and was done on the spur of the moment. Even Chisora’s handlers were caught off guard. If there is one thing that is predictable about “Del-Boy” it is that he is unpredictable.
The boxing world which had showed little interest in the Klitschko – Chisora matchup is now abuzz seemingly showing a keen interest in the outcome. Most boxing fans would have to concede that Chisora has done little to earn the title shot at Vitali. His sole claim to fame is that he suffered a highly controversial loss to Robert Helenius in December. In fairness to Dereck almost everyone who witnessed the fight, which took place in Helenius’ native Finaland, thought that Chisora clearly won the fight.
Chisora is quick to point out that Helenius at 6’6” and 240 pounds is nearly the same size as Vitali. But there the similarities end. Robert Helenius is nowhere near as talented or as experienced as Klitschko. Vitali is not only 6’7 ½” he uses his height and skills to maximum advantage. The left hand that he holds down at his side while in combat is used as a range finder, making it difficult to land a solid shot on him. And when he is tagged with a good punch, he handles it as well as any previous heavyweight champion in history. The right uppercut that Lennox Lewis hit him with in their classic fight in 2003 was a devastating punch which would have knocked out almost any other opponent.
For the reasons outlined, this writer although hoping for a competitive fight, gives the inexperienced Chisora little chance of pulling off an upset. It is doubtful that this fight will go past the 9th round.