By John F. McKenna (McJack)
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO’s) has revealed that the lengthy negotiations in putting together his proposed fight with former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KO’s) forced him to opt to fight Dereck Chisora (15-2, 10 KO’s) on February 18, 2012.
Many boxing fans and observers have questioned Vitali’s decision to fight the Zimbabwean born Chisora, who has lost two out of his last three fights. An out of shape
Chisora lost a competitive fight against undefeated Tyson Fury last July after he tired in the later rounds.
On December 3 Dereck lost a very controversial decision to Finland’s Robert Helenius in Heleinski, Finland. The reality is however that most boxing fans and writers thought Chisora was the easy winner in the Helenius fight. Evidently Vitali Klitschko also thought Chisora won the fight because it was confirmed on December 12 that “Dr. Ironfist’s” was impressed enough to select Chisora as his next opponent.
Klitschko was quoted by ESPN saying:
“After the September victory over Tomasz Adamek I was having trouble finding a new, worthy opponent. Yes, there were talks with David Haye, but as you know (such talks) can last a very long time. So we made a decision on Chisora.
“First in my opinion he won the fight with Helenius. Chisora had the advantage and earned a draw at the very least. Second, Dereck made a decision to become like David Haye and rattle Vladimir and myself with many unpleasant words. The Brit is very ambitious and proud.
“Naturally Chisora wants to prove to myself that he is better than Helenius. Can there be any better incentive to prove that point than a fight for the WBC belt?”
The fact is that just like David Haye who alienated the Klitschko’s with his trash talking Dereck has the ability to get under Vitali’s skin. Chisora will undoubtedly continue along those same lines as the lead up to the fight approaches. The elder Klistchko is not amused when another fighter trash talks him or his brother. His vendetta against David Haye appears to be genuine. Apparently Chisora can now be added to the list of fighters who have succeeded in annoying Vitali.
In any case Chisora will help to add drama and a bit of excitement to a fight that most boxing fans think he does not have a prayer of winning.
