Klitschko vs. Chisora Preview & Prediction
Published Dec 01 2010 by: John Evans | Follow us on Facebook & on Twitter
Wlad Klitschko Meets Untested Dereck Chisora:
Whilst it may be harsh to describe the last 2 years of the Klitschko brothers reign as a modern version of the "Bum Of The Month" club, it has become increasingly hard to stir interest in their title defenses. In fairness to the brothers, they do remain active and in the absence of credible challengers at least the title hasn't been put into hibernation. In all honesty though, the only heavyweight fight the world wants to see involves any combination of Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko and WBA champion David Haye. As the brothers will never fight each other, we are left with marking time fights until a deal can be agreed for either of the brothers to clash with the brash Londoner.
Credit: Mike Boehm/ProBoxing-Fans.com
December 11th sees Wladimir defend his IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine belts again when he takes on another Englishman, British and Commonwealth champion Dereck Chisora in Mannheim, Germany. That Chisora has been given a shot speaks volumes about the current state of the heavyweight division. Chisora's record stands at just 14(9)-0 and the biggest victory on his record is a 2nd round knockout victory over the shell of Mike Tyson conqueror Danny Williams.
Chisora will be an unknown quantity to many. The 26 year old deserves credit for taking the fight so early in his career. He has shown glimpses of genuine talent so far and his last performance, which saw him take the Commonwealth belt from Sam Sexton, was his best to date. Sexton is a talented fighter but Chisora outfought, outlasted and eventually out-punched the Norwich based fighter in a good quality domestic matchup. The key word here is domestic. Chisora has yet to step up to even European title level and in an ideal world he would be looking towards matches against the likes of Albert Sosnowski or Oleg Maskaev instead of jumping straight in at the highest level. When a fighter is offered a shot at the heavyweight title though, it is almost impossible to turn down. Chisora is a happy go lucky character and will relish the opportunity. He is unlikely to be overawed by the occasion and will give it his all, knowing he can catapult himself to worldwide fame should he achieve the incredible. The fact that he will also be earning a career high payday was probably also a big persuading factor.
It is hard to know what else to say about the Ukrainian champion. Having been at the pinnacle of the sport for a decade, the same strengths and weaknesses are discussed before every one of his fights. He possesses a superb jab and when he commits to throwing it, his right hand is the most destructive weapon in world boxing. He is an expert at dictating the range and pace of a fight and his opponents seem to realize very quickly that they are in for a hard night's work. Yes, there are worries about his chin but since being dropped 3 times when claiming a points victory over Samuel Peter 5 years ago, he has adopted a more cautious style and softens his opponents up before deciding if and when to move in for the kill.
If an opponent can get close to Klitschko and land punches, the landscape changes. Klitschko is far more vulnerable when put under pressure and can be knocked out. Recently though, such moments have been few and far between and his defenses have taken on a very routine format. Klitschko takes the center of the ring and by dominating with the jab and occasional right hand, slowly sets about breaking his opponent up both physically and mentally. By the mid point in the fight, the opponent has slipped into survival mode and Klitschko increases the pressure until the end comes in the mid to late rounds.
Klitschko vs. Chisora Prediction
Although Chisora will attempt to get under Klitscko's skin and unsettle him before the fight, the champion is far too experienced to get drawn into mind games. With the Haye fight so close, it is unthinkable that Klitschko will allow his focus to drift from the job in hand. Chisora will be giving away 5 inches in height and 7 inches in reach and faces the same problem every Klitschko opponent faces. He somehow needs to get inside the jab and then let his hands go. Although Chisora has a fluid style and puts his punches together well, this is likely to be too big of a step for him at this stage of his career. Chisora won't set out with the intention of purely surviving and in that respect should give a better account of himself than the likes of Eddie Chambers, however, the end is likely to come within 7 rounds as Klitschko looks to make an example of Chisora and finally set up the much awaited meeting with his fellow Londoner Haye. KLITSCHKO KO ROUND 6
in truth the fight that the Klitschkos’ have been ducking for at least the last 5 or 6 years is one against Oleg Maskaev. Ever since Oleg dropped Vilali in the 1st round, when they were both amature stars in Russia, the Klitschko brothers avoid Oleg. Oleg is still able and ready to fight either one and still win.
Ducking Maskaev? That’s hilarious! The guy was destroyed by Nagy Aguilera a year ago, and seems to have realised that he’s not going anywhere in the sport.
New rule: if a boxer is not ranked anywhere near the top 20 in the division, the champion can’t be accused of “ducking” him.
Haye, on the other hand is a superstar. True, he hasn’t fought anyone of note, has a very suspect chin, and is easy to hit — but he has somehow talked his way into the top contender status. Assuming he can’t resist the big paycheque he’d get for stepping into the ring with Wladimir, expect him to “fight” the way he did against Valuev.
Oleg Maskaev? Now I’ve heard everything. I liked Maskaev. He was a good fighter. His wins over Rahman were impressive. But he’s been beat up. He should retire and stay retired. People get pretty creative with their criticisms of the Klitschkos. But this one is priceless. Maskaev got KO’d by Sam Peter. It wasn’t a fluke. Both guys were in shape. Maskaev had the belt. He fought his fight. But he couldn’t stop Peter. The pressure was too much for Oleg. But Peter has been KO’d by both Klitschkos. And while people talk about David Haye a lot, it’s a joke to me. He hasn’t faced any contenders. He should fight Sam Peter. Even now, if he could beat Peter, it would give him credibility. Aside from the Klitsckos, Sam Peter is the best heavyweight out there. The heavyweight division gets dissed a lot these days, unfairly IMO. It’s not the fighters. There are many good ones. It’s the STRUCTURE thats the problem. You have unqualified people blogging and talking all kinds of smack, sanctioning bodies that are about self-preservation only, not giving the fans the real deal. These are the things that make the David Haye thing possible in the first place. I’ve never seen a hype job like that. And I’ve been around boxing all my life. Lots of fighters duck tough opponents. But what Haye is getting away with is a masterwork. John, its amazing that you say the Haye fight is “so close” with such assuredness. I’m betting it never happens. Haye can’t win. He knows it. And he knows the Klitschkos know it. But he’s gonna keep milking the loyalty of British boxing fans. Pity.
Zack d
I agree! I don’t think Haye stands more than a 10 percent chance against either brother..
It wouldn’t surprise me one iota if he chose a mandatory against Holyfield instead.
I have to be honest though, the world only wants a Klitschko brother v Haye. The fight
will happen, even if purely for financial reasons.
Us boxing nuts would love Solis ( I pray he beats Austin) to come through or the emergence of a new American challenger
but at the moment, Haye is the only one who brings the ‘X factor’ to a Klitschko fight.
Oh, and honestly, Oleg Maskaev would be the ideal opponent for Dereck Chisora
at this stage of his career. That’s how far Chisora is from the top level sadly!
Fred,
I don’t think the Klitschko’s duck anybody.