Bad blood between fighters adds spice
Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora had to be separated by a security cordon when their teams confronted each other after yesterday’s weigh-in for their rematch at the O2 Arena in London.
It was a continuation of the bad blood between the heavyweights following an altercation in Manchester two years ago in the build-up to their first contest, won on points by Whyte.
For Whyte, a statement victory today could propel him into a rematch with Anthony Joshua, holder of three of the heavyweight world title belts, at Wembley in April. But promoter Eddie Hearn insists a decision has not yet been made. Joshua will be an interested observer at ringside, along with another of his prospective opponents, the American Jarrell Miller.
Chisora even had a slogan taunting Whyte embossed on his underpants as the men stripped to their smalls and squared up at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The 34-year-old, who has followed a new training regime overseen by manager David Haye, looked in the best shape of his career, 1.8kg lighter than when he fought Whyte in a brilliant brawl two years ago at 111.6kg. Yet being lighter could reduce Chisora’s punch resistance.
He revealed Haye had been strict in camp. ‘‘He’s a bit of a control freak. I’m crazy for pancakes and he said no. He had a go at me when I wanted just one pancake,’’ Chisora said. ‘‘I was on a strict diet, and there were no cheat foods. I’m feeling the difference. But he is good for me. It’s gone well, I can’t complain. I feel great, I’m going to go in there looking for Whyte. This is a seek-anddestroy mission.’’
The burning question – and the reason it has become a boxoffice event – is whether Whyte and Chisora can replicate the classic fight they produced 24 months ago. Since then Whyte has improved immeasurably, winning his last four fights. Those include a sixth-round knockout of Australia’s Lucas Browne, and a 12-round, unanimous decision win against former world champion Joseph Parker, of New Zealand.
The Brixton fighter, known as ‘‘The Bodysnatcher’’ for his belligerence in the ring, believes he will stop his Finchley opponent this time. ‘‘What you are going to see is Dillian Whyte consistently punching holes in Chisora,’’ he said. ‘‘I don’t believe it will go 12 rounds. But I’m not going out there looking to blow him out in two rounds. I’m a fighter, I’m a brawler, I’m a boxer. But I’m technician as well. What is he? He’s a brawler. When’s the last time you saw him outbox someone? Never. David Haye can’t change that in 12 weeks.’’
Whyte, rightly, is the marginal favourite, and I expect him to box smartly in the opening two rounds, before applying pressure as the fight progresses. This is Whyte’s fight to lose, and it is not unthinkable for him to claim a stoppage in the later rounds, if not on points.
‘‘Dereck’s a veteran,’’ said Whyte. ‘‘And they can get in your head, but I’ve seen that and been around now and can see things. He hasn’t got in my head at all this time. I’m just ready for him.
‘‘People say they start from the bottom, if you want to see someone who’s started from the bottom, go and look at my career. My first 10 fights I think I paid for them myself.
‘‘I’ve fought three times in one month. I’ve had let-downs, pullouts, injuries. I’ve been written off. But I don’t go about crying. Nothing is going to stop me. Not Chisora. We’re marching on.’’
If the march is brutal, dramatic and brings that statement victory for Whyte, he may get his wish of sharing a ring with Joshua again.
‘‘He hasn’t got in my head at all this time.’’ Dillian Whyte