By Gabriel Princewill-
The press conference for the Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte fight was interesting, as both men and their camps expressed plenty of confidence in victory come Saturday night.
The boxing press gathered at the Canary Wharf Riverside Plaza Hotel at lunch time on Thursday to hear the two old rivals promise a victory I don’t think either has much grounds to guarantee. However, it is always inspiring to see two fighters express supreme confidence in their ability to deliver against good opposition where each man is determined to win. Their last contest in 2016 was an absolute thriller, with Whyte getting the nod from the judges- a decision most boxing observers thought was not really fair. It was a hard fought battle with neither of the two deserving to register a loss, though many though Chisora should have got the decision.
A draw would probably have been the fairest outcome for their first encounter, but the eventual recorded victory for Whyte has seen him maintain a consistent record since then. His only defeat in 25 fights came against olympic gold medalist and current world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua. In reality, Whyte who was already poised for a shot at Joshua’s world titles is taking a huge risk in taking this fight.
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Whilst Whyte, a former kick boxer credits himself for taking risky fights to stay active rather than opting for easier matches, Chisora has dismissed this fight as possessing no risk for him. Known for his former bad boy antics, lavish lifestyle, and one who frequented clubs, at least only a few years ago, Derek Chisora claims to be a reformed character who has now found Christ. The full story of how and when that happened has not yet been told,; the Chisora we all knew was violent both in and out of the ring. Chisora seemed the most relaxed during this press conference, jovial at times, whilst Whyte had a serious countenance, as he listened intently to every word from tough Chisora before expressing his own thoughts on the fight.
“Derek will see how strong I am,” Whyte said. “I’m used to people trying to get into my head. I don’t think even Derek himself knows what he is doing.
“I’ve had good learning fights and there’s still a lot more to come – I’ll fight anybody.“I’ll do whatever it takes to get the win, I conserve my energy, I’m relaxed. There will be blood on Saturday night”. Chisora said: ”its going to be an exciting fight, and boxing will be the winner. “Our game-plan is to bite the gum shield, seek and destroy,” Chisora said. After the hour long press conference , Chisora’s trainer, Don Charles took time to talk to The Eye Of Media.Com whilst various press outlets were taking turns to speak with both both Chisora and Whyte, as well as David Haye, who now promotes Chisora. Charles said:
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”Chisora has Dillian’s’s number, there are many reasons I believe he will force a stoppage against Whyte. He has Whyte’s number, and there are a few reasons we know this. Dillian Whyte did not really win the last fight they had [in 2016]. This time will be much different because Derek has now rediscovered his mojo. He is no longer hanging out at night clubs like was before. I wasn’t aware of his lifestyle outside the gym when he was going out partying and drinking. Yet, he still should have been given the decision in that fight, at the very worst it should have been a draw.
Things are different now, we have had to piece everything together now. He had a two year absence without me on his tam. Now, he has David Haye, and David Haye brings a lot into the equation. Haye has been there and done it. He was a disciplined boxer in and out of the ring, and he brings that extra mental edge for Chisora. Training wise, Derek has been very disciplined leading up to this fight. I know he will win this fight. He has told me , look I’ve got this, don’t worry. I can even tell from Dillian’s body language, he is very unsettled in Chisora’s presence”.
Chisora is not blessed with technical skills, but he has power and determination, Dillian Whyte will not be able to handle it. It won’t be an easy fight, but I am confident Derek Chisora will win”. Dilliant Whyte’s brother, Dean Whyte- a key memebr of his brother’s team told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”We have a good game plan. We know Chisora struggle’s with technically good fighter’s. He says he will come forward, seek and destroy, but Dillian is technically sharp, has good lateral movement. We saw how Chisora was dealt with by Tyson Fury, Dillian will have an answer for whatever Chisora does. He is a mentally disciplined fighter, that’s why he took this fight, he didn’t have to take this fight”.
The fight promises to be as exciting as the last one, and will see plenty of fireworks from the start. Fights like this are one of the very few where fans are assured full packed action. It is a difficult one to predict, as it is hard to see either man doing anything much different from the last time, but there is only 48 hours to go. Both men are extremely tough and resilient, making this a must see fight. Fight fans will turn up for their weigh in tomorrow in what should also be a great atmosphere.
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