“Where I come from we have Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Andy Murray. We have darts, we have snooker, where I come from everybody wants to be a hero” –
Dereck Chisora
By Phenyo Molefe: Chisora is never divorced from varied forms of controversy, both in his personal and boxing life. He sometimes seems to oscillate between questionable lines of normally accepted human behaviour and eccentricity, however that be said, Chisora is undeniably entertaining.
After months of inactivity, he has graced us with an active and entertaining half year starting off with his bout against Tyson Fury. I take no credit from Fury for these two rising stars gave us one of the better heavyweight bouts this year. I am very impressed with the developments I have noted in Tyson Fury and the immense potential he possess, but this account is concerned with Chisora. I do hope we will bare witness to the rematch in our life times when both candidates are fighting fit. Even in defeat and at the end of a beating Chisora continues to win my respect. He is not without blame, but I find conviction in noting that his efforts were hampered by a ball of Fury, an ill advised strategy and prolonged inactivity owing to the postponed bouts with Wladimir. However he still looked dangerous and offered us moments of excitement as he summoned the energy to launch unexpected onslaughts.
In his second outing after being exorcised of his titles, Chisora came out with noted intensity, chasing to break and dominate his foe. Bobbing and weaving, hooking and mauling, it looked like a page from Joe Frazier’s finer days. Chisora fought like a man possessed, seeking solace by landing his lithium boulders in heated barrages. Robert seemed dazed by the feverish pace and persistence of that which stood before him. He found himself being consumed by Dereck’s fire and unable to mount a tangible offence.
I, like most of you, looked upon in disbelief as I found myself perplexed by the judges’ assessment of the action we bore witness to. I struggle to ascertain how they could be so intoxicated by the drones sounded by the local crowds in gifting Helenius the decision. What a shame that the subjective influences within our sport have failed us yet again, favouring a man who was found lacking on the night.
Even in the midst of certain injustice, Chisora uncharacteristically held on to a cloak of humility articulating his stance with praised conduct. If anything Vitali’s announcement of a 18 February 2012 clash with Chisora may have initially rung songs of redemption. It may be passed a blessing as he was deemed worthy, to enter into duel with Vitali Klitschko, posing enough danger to ignite a fight.
It is a great opportunity to be fighting for the WBC heavyweight title, however at times I am caught questioning the timing of such fight in Chisora’s career. Although not the most celebrated champion, Vitali is arguably the toughest champion out there for any man to overcome.
I am drawn to Chisora brash, forthcoming approach however his arsenal is still undergoing development. In no uncertain terms have I written Chisora off, but there are phases in his style, which Vitali would be quick to exploit if he leaves himself open. I could outline numerous areas which are yet to be refined but no fighter is going transform overnight, development in fighter is a process. I believe his fitness and the strategy he will execute on the night concerned will determine the degree of his success.
I know Chisora will undergo his hardest training camp, the odds are against him and he has much to prove against a highly decorated fighter. He will have to come into this fight motivated and desperate to impale his will upon Vitali. Chisora and his team are going to have uncover the best strategy to execute, in bringing pressure to Vitali utilising the tools that Dereck posses. Although he will be forced to tighten his defence, he will still have to absorb punishment in swarming the champion. His advantages rest on the inside, his assault needs to be focussed on punishing his opponent with a perpetual rain of barrages. Moments of inactivity will be ill advised, for under no circumstances can Chisora allow his energy levels to be exceeded by Vitali.
In wishing Dereck Chisora happiness on 28th birthday I do hope that he will bring us the fearless excitement he rose to in 2011. A focussed intensity that will make for relived moments in the making of his career.