Klitschko-Chisora: The Heavyweight Circus

By Boxing News - 02/19/2012 - Comments

Image: Klitschko-Chisora: The Heavyweight CircusBy Jordan Sargent: Over the past few days I have viewed scenes which resemble that of an entertaining soap opera. Although I have heard many commentators suggesting the scenes we have viewed are a “disgrace”, at least we can safely say that people are talking about heavyweight boxing again.

I was not shocked, as some were, when Dereck Chisora (15-3-0, 9KO) slapped WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2-0, 40KO) at their weigh-in. The challenger from Finchley has been at the centre of controversy several times before. Most notably when he kissed heavyweight Carl Baker at their weigh-in back in February 2010, or when he bit Paul Butlin during their fight in May 2009. I would have been more surprised if ‘Del Boy’ had not done something to get a pre- fight edge over the vastly more experienced Ukrainian. However, it was a shock to see a Klitschko- challenger stand his own and not just accept he is there to receive a career high pay, and fall over after Klitschko has bashed him up for several rounds. This attitude was also evident in the fight.

Whereas most heavyweights seem to freeze when in the ring with a Klitschko, Chisora showed guts, heart and a willingness to win. Not only did he spit in the face of the champs little brother (well, not so little), he applied pressure throughout the fight which the champion did not like. At times I think Vitali showed all of his 40 years, looking tired in the later rounds. I have to credit Vitali because although he is obviously not the same fighter as he once was, he was still able to decisively win on points against a hungry 28 year old. I believe this shows signs of an all time great.
Even though his movement is not what it used to be, mainly due to a previous knee injury, I think the style Vitali has developed counteracts the fact that his feet are slower. The champion was able to read alot of Chisora’s punching (mainly right hand), which made it easier for him to counter with the more eye catching blows. But Chisora should not be disheartened by his performance. He left everything in the ring and gave it real go, which many challengers seem to neglect when fighting with a Klitschko. This result has not damaged his ‘stock’ and he will come again.

What may have damaged Chisora’s ‘stock’ though is what occurred at the post fight press conference. By now, everyone reading this should have seen the footage that involves him and former WBA Heavyweight Champion (and Klitschko victim) David Haye (25-2-0, 23KO). The first thing that jumped to this writer’s mind when seeing the footage was the obvious lack of security or people preventing the two going face to face. What did everyone expect? You have a man who in the last couple of days has slapped his opponent at the weigh-in and spat in the face of WBO/IBO/IBF/WBA Heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko (56-3-0, 49KO). As well as this you have an apparent angry David Haye with what appears to be an alcoholic beverage in his hand. Surely, the last thing you want is the two to get within arm’s length of each other? I have heard comments which suggest the confrontation was simply a publicity stunt. I can think of many other ways to promote a potential fight than take a glass bottle to the head and end up in a German police cell. But I guess that’s just me….

There was one scene which could be interpreted as a “publicity stunt”, which was the spit in the face. Chisora’s defence will be that Wladimir deliberately created the drama over the hand wraps before the fight, and thus deserved something in return for putting the challenger off. But whatever he says does not detract from the fact that the spit in the face may very well have set up a fight with Wladimir down the line- another world title shot and another payday!

So what we are left with is many potential bouts. A Chisora and Vitali fight would sell again, with the controversy surrounding their first fight and the fact Chisora did not take the usual Klitschko beating. I think a Chisora and Wladimir fight would sell more thanks to the spit in the face and plus considering there is unfinished business regarding the failing of their last fight. Vitali and Haye would be box office. Haye claimed at the press conference that he is willing to accept the conditions which have been laid down by the champion and it is Vitali’s camp that do not want the fight. But then again, when have you ever heard a fighter openly admitting he does not want to fight someone?

I would love to one day see a Klitschko fight a Brit in Britain. I appreciate they are the kings of the division and so should call the shots. But I cannot help wonder if they would perform nearly as good if they were taken out of their comfort zone of Germany. I know they have fought abroad before (USA), but I believe it has become too routine lately to witness a German- based Klitchko beating.

I just want to finish with a little dream of mine. It’s the summer….2012…..Wembely…..In one corner Dereck ‘Del Boy’ Chisora and in the other David ‘Hayemaker’ Haye. The winner….to get Klitschko in a 50,000 soccer stadium in Germany, in the fall.
Which Klitschko? Well, on the same summery night as the all- London showdown in Germany, there is a huge stadium filled to the rafters to witness a Klitschko V Klitschko battle for supremacy of the world!….Well, a writer can dream….



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