When Heavyweight contenders Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora
met in July 2011 it was to determine the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight
championships. At the time both Fury and Chisora were both rising prospects in
the Heavyweight division.
For the first six
rounds of the contest both fighters had their share of moments. Fury using his
6’9 frame to keep the 6’1 ½ Chisora on the outside, using his jab to set off
combinations. Chisora looking to apply pressure by pushing the bigger man back.
Although Chisora threw wide punches, he did have periodic success in landing
left hooks and overhand rights. As the fight progressed however, it was Fury’s
combination punching and overall greater activity that would win him the fight
via a clear twelve round unanimous decision.
Even though the encounter between the two prospects was for
the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles, the fight did establish both
fighters as players in the Heavyweight division as Chisora would go on to
challenge Vitali Klitschko for the WBC world championship in February 2012
putting forth a “Game” effort in defeat against one of the two most dominant
Heavyweights of this era. Despite suffering losses to Fury, Klitschko,
two-division world champion David Haye, and a highly controversial loss to
undefeated contender Robert Helenius, Chisora has established himself as a
legitimate contender in the Heavyweight division. Since suffering a fifth round
knockout loss at the hands of David Haye in July 2012 Chisora has won five
straight fights, winning four of those fights by knockout including victories
over Malik Scott, Ordrej Pala, and in his last fight former world title
challenger Kevin Johnson.
As the encounter between Chisora and Fury established
Chisora as a player in the division, so too it did for the undefeated Tyson
Fury. Fury has remained unbeaten in the years since his encounter with Chisora
winning seven fights and scoring six knockouts against the likes of Vinny
Maddalone, Martin Rogan, and former Cruiserweight world champion Steve
Cunningham just to name a few.
When the two Heavyweights last fought as co-headliners as part
of a twinbill at the Copper Box Arena in London, England in February of this
year, it was clear that the path to a shot at a world Heavyweight championship for
both Fury and Chisora would lead through each other as Fury scored a fourth
round knockout over a “Game”, but over matched Joey Abell. Chisora would follow
Fury by scoring a one-sided twelve round unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson.
Following that card earlier this year, this observer stated
that a rematch between Fury and Chisora was the logical option for both
fighters. The rematch, which was scheduled to take place in July was postponed
when Chisora fractured his left hand in his last sparring session prior to the
fight taking place. When Fury and Chisora finally meet on Saturday night at the
Excel Arena in London, England it will not be just for bragging rights or the
European and British Heavyweight titles that will be on the line, but what is
also at stake will be the right to challenge unified IBF/WBO/WBA/IBO
Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in the World Boxing Organization’s
(WBO) ratings.
From a stylistic standpoint this fight could be expected to
be fought in much of the same way as the first fight was fought between Fury
and Chisora. Fury looking to keep Chisora on the outside using his height and
85” reach to his advantage, Chisora looking to close distance and get on the
inside of the bigger man. The question that I have in my mind as this fight
approaches is whether or not Chisora will be able to let his hands go more
consistently this time.
Although Chisora, who weighed 261lbs. for the first fight
against Fury was able to have success early in the fight landing power punches,
an argument can be made that as the fight went on Chisora’s weight gradually
worked against him as he became inconsistent in letting his hands go. It will
be interesting to see if Chisora, who weighed 241 ½lbs. at the weigh-in for the
rematch with Fury on Friday will be able to have more success in this second
encounter. In contrast to Chisora, Fury who weighed in at 264lbs. for the
rematch will be looking to use that weight to his advantage by tying the
shorter man up and making him unable to let his hands go if Chisora is able to
get on the inside as was the case in the first fight.
As was the case the first time around when these two fought,
the rematch is a highly anticipated grudge match between two fighters who
dislike each other. While this might mean that the two will engage in an
entertaining slugfest as some anticipated prior to their first fight, it would
not shock me if the rematch like its predecessor goes the distance. Both
fighters are known for their punching power and ability to end fights quickly.
It is important to remember however, that for both fighters a shot at a world
Heavyweight championship is what awaits the winner. The stakes are indeed high
and if one fighter approaches this fight looking to score a quick knockout and
is not prepared to go the distance it will play into the opponent’s hands.
With much dislike and “Bad Blood” between the fighters and
much anticipation for the rematch it will be interesting to see who emerges
victorious. The stage is set for the rematch on Saturday night.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison
All Rights Reserved.
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