No sooner had both Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury won their separate fights on Saturday evening, then the war of words began ahead of possible rematch between the two heavyweights. The potential contest may be viewed as an eliminator for a title bout against World Champion Wladimir Klitschko, but for both British boxers it will be opportunity to stake a serious claim in the heavyweight division.
Chisora has already fought for the heavyweight title when losing to the now-retired Vitali Klitschko in 2012 and was then subsequently beaten by David Haye five months later. Since then he has remained unbeaten in five fights culminating in Saturday’s unanimous points victory against American veteran Kevin Johnston.
He is hoping for the chance of gaining his revenge on Fury at some time during the summer, having been beaten by the Manchester fighter in 2011, in his first loss as a professional boxer. Reversing that decision will not be easy for Chisora as Fury is still only 25 years old and improving.
Unbeaten in 22 fights, Fury beat another American Joey Abell on Saturday after claiming a knockout win inside four rounds in his first contest for ten months. Fury dominated after early pressure from Abell and even indulged in some showboating as his opponent began to wilt.
It was genuine display of power by Fury who is arguably the top British heavyweight at the moment and in the aftermath he was keen to promote a potential rematch with Chisora by deriding him as “one-paced” and “useless”.
Chisora was more diplomatic in his response but a summer fight between the two boxers seems likely with a bout against champion Wladimir Klitschko a probable reward for the winner unless unbeaten American heavyweight Deontay Wilder is given first option after he returns to the ring next month.
For Fury, in particular, a fight against Klitschko would be real upward step in level as he continues his boxing education. Although nobody will dispute the power of his punch, there are times when his defensive capabilities look somewhat amateurish and this weakness would play into the strengths of the Ukrainian champion.
Rather than a rematch with Chisora for which he will have plenty to lose and nothing to gain, Fury may be best served by challenging one of the real promising young heavyweights offering the opportunity for testing all aspects of his ability. Winning such a bout would not only be a confidence booster but would enhance his position in the rankings and mark the Mancunian as a serious opponent for Klitschko.
At 25 years of age, Fury has time on side and a bout with Chisora will add to his learning experience but it might also be time to consider stepping up a gear in a heavyweight division bereft of real quality.
