Fireworks muted for press call

Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte failed to repeat the fireworks that marred the build-up to their first fight but still engaged in several hostile exchanges at yesterday’s head to head press conference

The London rivals clash at the O2 in a repeat of their memorable showdown in Manchester two years ago when Whyte snatched a controversial split decision.

Chisora joked that the tables had been screwed down in reference to scenes in 2016 when he picked one up and hurled it at Whyte, earning a £25,000 fine and a suspended two-year sentence.

Both fighters have been warned by the British Boxing Board of Control over their conduct ahead of tomorrow’s rematch, but when Whyte mocked Chisora’s recent conversion into a born-again Christian, the 34-year-old former world title challenger reacted.

“The funniest thing is at least I’m not doing any black magic. The voodoo talk,” Chisora said.

“You might say whatever you want to say but don’t come with the black magic talk, giving me the curses and the voodoo talk. They’ve screwed down the tables this time, but it’s OK. I don’t really want to do that any more. If I want to do something, I’ll do something.

“But right now I’m just happy that training has gone well. I’m ready to fight. The plan is to bite down the gumshield and seek and destroy.

“Everyone loved the first fight. I enjoyed it, although my brain cells didn’t enjoy it. I’ve been asking for this rematch for a while and it’s happening now.

“It’s not a risky fight for me. We’re going to take what’s his and make it mine. It’s not a risky fight.”

Whyte was happy to let Chisora and his manager David Haye do most of the talking, knowing he is odds-on favourite.

“I’ve been in fights where people are screaming and shouting, I’m going to do this or do that. But I’m just conserving my energy. I’m relaxed,” Whyte said. “You know I can fight and box and have power. This fight doesn’t need any selling, but there will be blood drawn on Saturday night.”