By James Slater: Bitter British heavyweight rivals Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury came face-to-face yesterday in London, to formally announce their exciting-looking July 23rd clash. The two unbeaten big men met at Wembley Arena, the venue for the British and Commonwealth title match, and Fury, as always, had plenty to say.
Taking a leaf out of the great Muhammad Ali’s book and lifting one of his quotes at the same time, the 23-year-old traveler made a bold prediction: he promised he would crawl across the ring and kiss Chisora’s feet if he manages to defeat him. This same bit of bravado was used by “The Greatest” ahead of his all-time classic first encounter with Joe Frazier. As fans know, Ali lost yet never went through with his pre-fight promise. Will Fury do the same thing if his words come back to haunt him on July 23rd?
Fury, unbeaten at 14-0(10) has no doubt in his mind he is going to beat Chicora – four years the older man and currently sporting a 14-0(9) pro ledger – and he has nothing good to say about his rival at all.
“Chisora walks around with his ‘I am the Greatest’ cap. But there’s only one Greatest; and that’s Muhammad Ali,” Fury said. “Chisora is not fit to lace his boots. If he wins I’ll give him my purse money and walk across the ring and kiss his feet.”
Fury has surely put unneeded added pressure on his broad shoulders with his cocky, even arrogant remarks. Many good judges back the skilful Chisora to beat the 6’9” hope, even if “Del Boy” will be giving away a considerable amount of both height and weight. Chisora’s trainer, Don Charles says his charge is at his best facing taller opponents, and that the height, weight and reach of Fury are not things to be concerned about.
How foolish will Fury look if he is beaten and beaten in style by the Zimbabwe-born Londoner? For what it’s worth, I think big Tyson will indeed be handing over his purse and doing a bit of crawling come July 23rd. Chisora will, in my opinion, school Fury a little as he pounds out a clear points win. But again, will Tyson Luke Fury actually honour his pre-fight vow?