Chisora vows to defy critics and take Fury’s title
LONDON. — Underdog Derek Chisora says he does not care what the critics think as he bids to upset Tyson Fury and win the WBC heavyweight boxing title tonight.
Zimbabwe-born
Chisora has lost 12 times in 45 bouts, including three of his last four, and been beaten twice before by Fury.
“I don’t care what is said. For me to give up, just because a newspaper says so, I can’t do that,” he said.
“It is going to be the best first round in the heavyweight game ever, you’re going to love the whole show.”
Earlier this week, Fury and Chisora vowed to stand in the middle of the ring in the opening round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and go toe-to-toe for the first three minutes.
Chisora (38) fought for the WBC belt 10 years ago, losing on points to Vitali Klitschko, and revealed that Fury was the main architect behind this fight.
“He gave me a phone call and put food on the table for my kids,” he added.
“He has given me an opportunity when Frank Warren didn’t want to give me an opportunity, Bob Arum didn’t want to give me an opportunity and my old promoter Eddie Hearn didn’t want to give me an opportunity.
“All of these guys in the game don’t want me on this stage. But friendship will be out of the door and this big man will get it. I will not hold back, I’m going to war.
“I want to take what’s his and make it mine.” Fur y, who announced he would retire from boxing in April only to return a few months later, said: “I’m in a very good place with boxing at the moment. I’m back, I’m hungry, I’m putting the work in, I’m grinding.
“I’ve been in love with boxing for such a long time from being a little boy and I’m 34 now, probably at the end of my career in the next few years. It has been a love-hate relationship and it has been toxic at times, but when it is good, it is very good.
“I’ve wanted to leave a lot of times but it always drags me back. It’s like a massive drug and an addiction.
“Boxing is more addictive than any drug ever because you can’t let it go.
“This is a hobby now rather than a business or sport. This is my hobby and what I love to do.” Chisora and Fury are known to be volatile at news conferences days before fights, but both men were on their best behaviour as they showed respect. Fury entertained from the moment he walked into the room, jokingly complaining about the reception he received and demanding more noise from the media, other fighters and those gathered. — Sport.