WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-3, 40KOs) recently explained his decison to fight British Dereck Chisora (15-2, 9KOs) on February 18th in Munich, Germany. Explaining to SE, Vitali discussed the reasons behind the Chisora decision and gave his thoughts on other details related to the contest.
Vitali, why did you suddenly go with Derek Chisora?
It wasn't so suddenly. If you remember, last year he was scheduled to fight with Wladimir. For obvious reasons the fight never took place, but my brother pointed out that interest in really grew. Therefore, in our point of view Chisora was always a potential opponent. But after the September victory over Tomasz Adamek, I was having difficulty in finding a new worthy opponent. Yes, there were talks with David Haye, but as you know [those talks] can last a very long time. So we made a decision on Chisora.
What about the fact that Chisora is coming off a decision loss to EBU champion Robert Helenius?
First, in my opinion, he won the fight with Helenius. Chisora had the advantage and earned a draw at the very least. Second, Derek made a decision to become like David Haye and rattled off Wladimir and myself with many unpleasant words. The Brit is very ambitious and proud. Naturally Chisora wants to prove to myself and show that he was better than Helenius. Can there be any better incentive to prove that point than a fight for the WBC belt?
Do you consider Derek a dangerous opponent?
I have carefully studied Chisora's previous fights, and I can say that he fights very well at close range. Therefore he should not be underestimated.
Vitali, why did you suddenly go with Derek Chisora?
It wasn't so suddenly. If you remember, last year he was scheduled to fight with Wladimir. For obvious reasons the fight never took place, but my brother pointed out that interest in really grew. Therefore, in our point of view Chisora was always a potential opponent. But after the September victory over Tomasz Adamek, I was having difficulty in finding a new worthy opponent. Yes, there were talks with David Haye, but as you know [those talks] can last a very long time. So we made a decision on Chisora.
What about the fact that Chisora is coming off a decision loss to EBU champion Robert Helenius?
First, in my opinion, he won the fight with Helenius. Chisora had the advantage and earned a draw at the very least. Second, Derek made a decision to become like David Haye and rattled off Wladimir and myself with many unpleasant words. The Brit is very ambitious and proud. Naturally Chisora wants to prove to myself and show that he was better than Helenius. Can there be any better incentive to prove that point than a fight for the WBC belt?
Do you consider Derek a dangerous opponent?
I have carefully studied Chisora's previous fights, and I can say that he fights very well at close range. Therefore he should not be underestimated.
