admin“This fight is what boxing is all about,” said Warren as Zimbabwe-born Chisora, who has been fined and suspended in the last two years over spitting, slapping and brawling incidents, continued to show himself to be the model of good behaviour in the face of an adversary from North Philadelphia familiar with “boss” talk.
It was all respect from the two men on Thursday, 48 hours before they head into the ring at Wembley Arena, London, with the WBO International heavyweight title at stake.
It is a stepping-stone belt, but for Chisora, who has already fought for Vitali Klitschko for a version of the world title — on that infamous night in Munich which ended with his brawl with David Haye — there is a sense that he can still seize the day and join the circuit again on the route towards challenging for a world championship crown.
“This is an even fight and it’s reflected in the odds,” added Warren. “Dereck is 6-5, Malik is 21-20. The fans are in for a treat.
“There’s a lot on the line. Dereck can’t afford a loss; Malik is looking for a shot at the world title. And look at him — Dereck is the fittest I’ve ever seen him.”
Scott fights for the first time outside America as a professional, having amassed an unbeaten 36-fight record, blighted by four years out through “injury, family and management issues” he explained yesterday.
He was absent from rings between 2008 and 2012. Two years ago, he came to Jesse Reid, the legendary trainer, who says athletically Scott has “a gift from God”.
“It doesn’t bother me fighting away from home. I just need a ring,” said Scott. “The earth is my turf. Chisora is one of the toughest heavyweights in the world, but I’m ready.
“I’m not Fred Astaire. I’m 32 years old, he comes to fight, and I’m here to do the same. This dude has come to hurt me on Saturday night, and I’m not going to be running.”
“Even though I was out with issues for that time [2008-2012] I kept the iron fist, and I kept believing.”
A win tonight would propel Scott towards prominence in the division, and the prospect of fights with other British heavyweights such as Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua, who is believed to be close to considering a move to the professional ranks.
Chisora predicted on Thursday he will stop Scott.
Whatever happens, it should be an intriguing contest, with the busy British fighter against the boxing skills of the American.
Chisora believes he saw “fear” in opponent Scott’s eyes when they met head-to-head on Tuesday ahead of their heavyweight boxing showdown tonight at Wembley Arena.
The notorious Zimbabwe-born Finchley fighter locked eyes with Scott for the first time at his North London gym after the American failed to show at the press conference on Monday claiming he was not told about it by his promoters. Former British Champion Chisora believes he’s now one up against Scott who is undefeated in 36 fights.
“I’m happy now that I’ve looked into his eyes and I see that the boy is scared,” said Chisora.
“I don’t believe all this rubbish he’s saying that he didn’t know about the press conference yesterday, he just didn’t want to see me,” said Chisora.
“He even had to be forced to take off his sunglasses as we went face-to-face. What counts is what happens in the ring on Saturday and I’m going to do a real good job on this boy and pack him back off to America, defeated.”
Don Charles, Chisora’s trainer, added that his man is in the best shape of his career. “Scott looks in great shape which is good news for us as it will be all the better when Del beats him,” said Charles.
“Trust me, Del is in the best shape of his career and Scott will be not be able to stand the heat that Del is going to dish out. Scott has not met anyone like Del and he’s caught him at the wrong time, Del is hungry and determined as he knows he can’t afford to lose this fight.”
Chisora says he is defending the pride of the nation when he takes on American Scott at Wembley tonight.
The Zimbabwe-born British heavyweight boxer has seen both Audley Harrison and David Price suffer career-threatening defeats to Deontay Wilder and Tony Thompson respectively in recent months.
There was a lot of animosity when he and the unbeaten Malik clashed on a recent conference call but all was calm when they came face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, Chisora intends to send the American home with his tail between his legs as he looks to get back in the world title mix.
“Scott’s an American fighter. This has become about territory, it’s America versus Britain.
“I’ll have to show how we do it to these Yankees,” Chisora said.
“I’ve got a heart, David hasn’t got a heart. He’s too much of a nice guy. I like fighting.
“As Scott’s coach (Jesse Reid) said, this is the fight game. Scott will come back fighting in the same situation.”
Scott has drawn one of his 36 fights but although it is a record packed with journeymen he believes he has the firepower to beat former WBC title contender Chisora.
“For a guy of my style Chisora’s very beatable and I’m looking forward to staying undefeated,” the 32-year-old said. — The Telegraph.
Online Reporter