Thursday, October 14, 2010

Derek Chisora leapfrogs David Haye to take on the Klitschko brothers

? Chisora lines up title chances against Wladimir and Vitali
? Haye has failed to land bouts despite protracted negotiations

Derek "Del Boy" Chisora, from Zimbabwe via north London, would seem to have landed the most audacious double in recent heavyweight history: consecutive world title chances against the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali.

The unbeaten British and Commonwealth champion says he has signed to challenge Wladimir for his WBO and IBF titles in Mannheim, Germany, on 11 December. If he were to win that fight (not altogether impossible even though he has had only 14 professional contests), he claims he is guaranteed a date against Vitali for the elder brother's WBC belt.

Beating both the Klitschkos would eclipse the deeds of Britain's other world champion heavyweight, the WBA title-holder, David Haye, who has failed to land a fight with either of them despite protracted negotiations over the past couple of years. A unification fight between the two Londoners would send profits and ratings off the scale.

But it is way too early to contemplate such an improbable script. Haye still has a tricky defence against his one-time friend Audley Harrison in Manchester on 13 November. "This is about glory for me and becoming the heavyweight champion of the world," the 26-year-old Chisora said.

"Haye will not fight the Klitschkos as long as they are champions, but I'm up for the fight. The Klitschkos have ruled for too long and I can't wait to get into the ring in Germany and smash the living daylights out of Wladimir first. Vitali is waiting in the background and I'll deal with him once I've dealt with Wladimir."

Chisora, who stopped Sam Sexton to add the Norwich fighter's Commonwealth title to the British belt he already owned, acknowledged that, "Wladimir is a good strong champion, technically excellent," but added: "I'm a young, fresh and hungry challenger and I've got the punch to back me up. An opportunity like this may not come around again or for a long time so I've got to take it now and believe me, one shot is all I need."

Chisora's promoter, Frank Warren, concedes the fighter will not make a huge amount. "When I talked to him," Warren said, "he insisted that I take it. Unlike David Haye, for Derek this is about the challenge, not the money. He really believes that he can beat Wladimir. It's in the contract that, if he beats Wladimir, then he has to face Vitali next.

"He's taking himself out of London and into a training camp, away from any distractions, to totally focus on the fight."


guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Mikkel Kessler Luciano Bute Felix Sturm

No comments:

Post a Comment