By James Slater: While Tyson Fury, right now one of the hottest young heavyweights out there, assesses his options when it comes to his next fight, the man he defeated on July 23rd is planning on “coming back stronger.” So says Dereck Chisora’s trainer, Don Charles.
Speaking with Barnet Today, Charles gave an honest and level-headed verdict on his fighter’s effort in the “Big Brawl” against Fury; revealing how Chisora had to train through the pain of a hernia problem in the run-up to the fight. Naturally, Charles says his man will only be a better fighter as he learns from his maiden defeat.
“I have watched the fight again, and you have to say that Fury deserved the fight,” Charles said to writer Lee Husson. “I could only give us three rounds. I don’t like to make excuses, but Dereck has been suffering with a hernia for several months. To let him go into the fight was the wrong decision, and I take the blame for that. He was a stone [14-pounds] overweight and that was all down to the hernia limiting our conditioning.
“We have to look at the positives. This could be the wake up call that Dereck needs. I’m a strong believer in destiny and Dereck is destined to be a world champion.”
Charles also mentioned how an ill-fitting gum-shield caused a cut to his fighter in the early going of the 12-rounder, and it is certain the ten month layoff the 27-year-old was forced to undergo (due to a massive chance of a fight with Wladimir Klitschko twice falling through) did the Londoner no favours. So, can we still believe in Chisora, now 14-1(9)?
In the proper condition, Chisora is a different fighter to the man we saw on July 23rd. Having had to carry excess weight due to the hernia (according to Charles, and there is no reason to doubt his word), Chisora’s plan was to blast Fury out early. As we saw, the former British champ had a great second round, but soon began to fade. The chances of a return fight look somewhat slim, despite Chisora announcing via his Twitter page that a rematch will happen “soon.”
Fury has even been mentioned as the next challenger for “Dr. Steel Hammer,” and even if that fight doesn’t happen as soon as some have said, the big (in every sense of the word) contender has many other options: why would he even look at going back over old ground? No, Chisora must show his hunger by getting back in the ring as soon as he is able to and taking on some good domestic and foreign opposition. Many fans may well be of the opinion that “Del Boy” is now finished as a fighter going places, but one loss shouldn’t ruin a career.
It’s now up to Chisora and Charles to begin the rebuilding process.
Four men who would make great “comeback” opponents for Chisora:
1: Albert Sosnowski. Last seen being stopped in the 12th and final round against Alexander Dimkitrenko, the tough Pole who is no stranger to British shores would make a great opponent for Chisora.
2: Manuel Charr. The man from Beirut (based in Germany) is coming off a stoppage win over a faded Danny Williams – would he fancy a trip to the U.K?
3: Mike Perez. This one would be risky business, but seeing as how the Cuban has been unable to get himself a fight since winning “Prizefighter” back in May, this match-up could happen. And what a statement Chisora would make if he were to win this one.
4: Vinny Maddalone. Tough New Yorker Maddalone has said many times he would love a fight in the U.K before he’s through. Would Chisora fancy facing Vinny in what would be his first fight against an American?