Derek Chisora Interview: I will hunt, catch and destroy Wladimir

By Ezio Prapotnich

After months spent following the Klitschko-Haye soap opera, today we met a man who is not afraid to fight. On April 30 in Manheim, Germany, the man who gives his opponents nightmares, undefeated British and Commonwealth champion Derek Chisora (14-0, 9 KO’s), has a chance to fulfill his dream. There is only one obstacle between him and the WBO, IBF, IBO, and The Ring belts: Wladimir Klitschko.

BoxingInsider: In the post-fight interview after your win over Sam Sexton for the unification of the British and Commonwealth title, you said: “I am going to speak to Frank (Warren). We are ready for world level”. What did you have in mind exactly?

Derek Chisora: To challenge someone ranked in the top 10 of the WBC or WBO. Then, the opportunity to fight for the title came and I jumped on it, but I had no idea it would come so quickly.

BoxingInsider: With three different men holding titles in the division, do you think you are fighting the true Heavyweight champion of the world in Wladimir Klitschko?

Derek Chisora: Yes. He is a good fighter and he has been around holding those belts for a long while. I can’t wait to fight him.

BoxingInsider: How do you rate WBC champion Vitali Klitschko and WBA David Haye?

Derek Chisora: Vitali is a really hard fighter. Haye is a bum.

BoxingInsider: Is negotiating a fight with Klitschko really as hard as Adam Booth claims?

Derek Chisora: Not at all. It’s just the way the boxing game is: in the end of the day, IT IS about money. If you want to challenge the champion or anybody who brings more than you do on the table, you have to settle for less money. I accept this because I believe in my strength. When I am world champion, I will be difficult too.

BoxingInsider: Do you have the infamous “Vitali rematch” clause in the contract?

Derek Chisora: Yes, and I am fine with it. The WBC is the title I fancy the most. It’s me against the brothers.

BoxingInsider: Are you prepared to go the distance, if necessary?

Derek Chisora: The fight will not go the distance. I am a hard puncher. I will hunt him, I will catch him, and I will destroy him.

BoxingInsider: Are you saying that power alone will be your key to victory?

Derek Chisora: We have everything: power, speed, chin… You name it, we got it. He can’t hurt me. I am the hunter.

BoxingInsider: Were you forced to vacate the British and Commonwealth belts to get a world title shot?

Derek Chisora: No way. I worked hard to get those belts, I am not going to vacate them. Unluckily for them, whoever wants my titles will have to go through me, and it’s going to cost them money…Whoever is going to fight me for whatever title after I become world champ will have to pay one million pounds.

BoxingInsider: Who do you consider your direct rivals at domestic level?

Derek Chisora: Nobody. There is no one out there.

BoxingInsider: What is going to be your next step after Klitschko, whether you win or lose?

Derek Chisora: I don’t know yet, but there must to be money involved and more important titles. Definitely not the European one.

BoxingInsider: Has your life changed because of the exposure you are getting?

Derek Chisora: My life is still the same. I didn’t change either. My feet are still on the ground.

Whether you fancy his chances or not, you have to give Derek Chisora credit for taking a fight some of the top contenders are reluctant to take.

April 30, SAP Arena, Manheim: Waldimir Klitschko vs Derek Chisora Only one of them walks away.