Vitali Klitschko – Is Dereck Chisora the Right Guy – Boxing News

By Geno McGahee

WBC kingpin, Vitali Klitschko, 43-2, 40 KO’s, seems nearly unbeatable. The only other heavyweight that seems capable is his brother, Wladimir, 56-3, 49 KO’s, the holder of the WBA/WBO/IBF titles. Since the brothers will not fight each other, Vitali has searched for opponents that he could face that would challenge him. He has not found much of a challenge in them however.

When looking at the career record of Vitali, you can’t help but to be impressed. He has defeated former champions: Shannon Briggs (W-12), Sam Peter (TKO-8), Corrie Sanders (KO-8), Herbie Hide (KO-2), and has fended off the challenges of true contenders like Chris Arreola (KO-10), Kevin Johnson (W-12), Odlanier Solis (KO-1), Tomasz Adamek (TKO-10), and Kirk Johnson (KO-2). His tall robotic style is a tough one to contend with. He presents an imposing presence at 6 feet 8 inches, and fights with a confidence that intimidates his opponents. At 40, he may not have much time left in the game, but he has taken on the challenge of the British heavyweight, Dereck Chisora, 15-2, 9 KO’s, on February 18th.

Chisora losing two of his last three bouts is misleading. At 261 pounds, he took on Tyson Fury, and lost a unanimous decision. It was a loss that could be attributed to the “let down” effect. Chisora had signed to fight Wladimir Klitschko on two occasions and both times, Wlad backed out. He had to settle for the incredibly limited Fury and it was a fight that a prime 240 pound Chisora would have most likely won by knockout.

Redemption came in a defeat. Last December he faced the highly rated Robert Helenius, a man that is seen by many as the replacement for the Klitschkos when they leave the sport. Chisora lost a split decision, but most observers saw it as a hometown decision and a robbery. Vitali did and that is why he is granting Chisora the shot. He earned it and to the credit of Klitschko, he’s giving it to him.

This defense by Vitali is very interesting. He is facing a motivated and aggressive fighter with power in both hands that will be pushing the fight. Vitali, at 40, hasn’t missed a beat and enjoys controlling the range and battering his opponent from afar. Can Chisora overcome this? That is the story of this fight. If Chisora can push Vitali back and take the incoming, we may have the end of one of the Klitschko’s reigns. This would lead, presumably, to a showdown with Wladimir…finally. That is if Chisora wins and Wlad doesn’t tire himself out too much by beating Jean Marc Mormeck to a pulp.

Mark the date on the calendar. February 18th the WBC Heavyweight Title will be defended and Chisora will try to make up for the pitiful performance of his fellow countryman, David Haye when he fought Wlad, by taking it to and defeating the tougher older brother, Vitali.