Chisora Shines in War of Words But Can he Overshadow Klitschko in the Ring?

Dereck Chisora has been waiting more than a year for his opportunity to fight one of the Klitschko brothers for a world heavyweight title. The former British champion was due to face Wladimir on 11 December, before injury ruled the Ukrainian out. The fight was rescheduled for 30 April, but once again Wladimir cancelled the date and instead chose a big money showdown with David Haye.

During that 13 month period, Chisora lost his unbeaten record as he entered the ring out of shape and under prepared for an all-British clash with Tyson Fury. A low-key points victory against little known Remigijus Ziausys followed, before Chisora was handed the chance to claim the European heavyweight crown when he met Robert Helenius in Helsinki.

It was this performance that convinced Vitali to hand the 28-year-old the opportunity to fight for the WBC title. Chisora may have lost to the Finnish fighter in his own back yard but the Brit was clearly the more aggressive fighter and landed more punches. His split decision loss probably worked to enhance his reputation and now he must attempt to dethrone the 40-year-old champion.

On Monday afternoon the two sat just one seat apart, Frank Warren separating the pair, as Klitschko outlined the reasons he chose a man with two losses in his last three fights.

"A lot of people say the fights of Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are boring," stated Vitali. "Well they are boring because we beat everyone. We need a challenge, to fight the strongest guy, somebody who can beat us and Dereck Chisora is one of them who has good skills.

"Everybody said Helenius was the next world champion. Well that guy [Chisora] beat a future world champion."

The press conference was a far cry from the disrespect that David Haye showed to Wladimir. There was genuine tension between the pair as the Ukrainian felt his British opponent went over the top in the promotion of the fight.

On Monday there was nothing but respect as the two happily posed together for a series of photos alongside a robin reliant. Del Boy may have been all smiles but underneath his baggy jumper it was clear to see that there would be no issues with weight. Having weighed more than 18 stone against Fury, Chisora cannot afford to be slow and cumbersome against a fighter with one of the best jabs in the business.

The Londoner sounded confident as he provided some superb sound bites throughout the 25 minute press conference. "It's time for the new king and that will be come February 18," stated the challenger. "I have so much fire inside me and everyone is supporting me. As I have said, he is the doctor and I am the black plague that is coming to destroy him in his own back yard."

Dr. Ironfist will certainly not be concerned by the taunts of Chisora. He has seen it all before. Twice he has dispatched British challengers in Herbie Hide and the incredibly brave Danny Williams who was knocked down four times but refused to stay on the canvas for a ten count.

Vitali is a seasoned campaigner with 45 contests under his belt. He has never been knocked down and his two losses have both been in controversial fashion. A shoulder injury forcing him to retire against Chris Byrd, while two horrendous cuts against Lennox Lewis had him losing a technical decision, despite being ahead on all three judges score cards after six rounds.

So should British fans have any reason to think Chisora can somehow overcome a seemingly immovable champion? Perhaps Vitali's power in recent years can come into question with just one KO over Albert Sosnowski coming in the last eight contests (Odlanier Solis went down as a KO victory but the Cuban injured his cruciate as he fell to the canvas).

Chisora has the ability to launch ferocious attacks and does have knockout power, while Vitali is an aging champion. With that being said the man from Kiev is the heavy favourite as he looks to successfully defend his WBC crown for the 10th time.

Of course there will always be shocks in the sport and Frank Warren cited the case of Mike Tyson losing to James 'Buster' Douglas in Tokyo almost 22 years ago. Can Chisora provide a similar upset or will Vitali once again prove the dominance of the Klitschko brothers?

If you have any thoughts on the outcome of the heavyweight showdown then please feel free to comment below....