Dereck Chisora confident he can defeat Vitali Klitschko

The London boxer talks up his chances against the WBC champion ahead of Saturday's bout in Munich.

TOPSHOTS

British boxer Dereck Chisora (R) faces Ukrainian boxer Vitali Klitschko during a photo call in Munich, southern Germany, on February 13, 2012 ahead of their WBC World Heavyweight fight. Klitschko and his challenger Chisora will fight on February 18, 2012. 

AFP PHOTO/CHRISTOF STACHE
Powered by automated translation

Dereck Chisora insists his fearlessness and "swagger" will prove decisive when he bids to pull off a shock against Vitali Klitschko this weekend.

Chisora, 28, takes on the Ukrainian WBC champion in Munich as the rank outsider on Saturday, attempting to dethrone a man who has reigned supreme for four years since coming out of retirement.

He does so on the back of two high-profile defeats, firstly to domestic rival Tyson Fury last summer and then, after a low-key win against Remigijus Ziausys, to Robert Helenius in a highly controversial European title clash before Christmas.

Yet the outspoken Londoner has no doubt he is equipped to end Klitschko's reign as WBC champion this weekend despite being priced as generously as 10-1 by one bookmaker.

"Everyone is saying that it will be the toughest test of my career but that's just because he has been on the throne for such a long time," said the Finchley fighter.

"Maybe this will be the toughest test of his career. It's going to be amazing whatever happens.

"It will be a great fight, the public will love it. Vitali has been around a long time. He is the king of the sport but it's about time that somebody came in who is young and fresh, who is not scared of anyone.

"A lot of people have tried to do it but they don't have the swagger and the passion to go in there and do the business but I have got it.

"I'm not scared of them (the Klitschko brothers). I'm passionate about the sport and I'm not scared of them. That's why I am going to be successful."

Klitschko's decision to defend against Chisora (15-2, 9KOs) has been questioned in light of the Londoner's recent record but the Ukrainian has repeatedly talked up the challenger's credentials.

"I was very impressed how Chisora fought against Helenius and for me - without any doubt - he won the fight," said Klitschko (43-2, 40KOs), who came face to face with his opponent at Monday's press conference.

"The judges gave Helenius the victory but we are boxers, we are experts. We know who won, we know Chisora beat Helenius. So he's currently the strongest challenger out there.

"After that performance I wanted to take him next as I always want to prove myself against the best."

Klitschko added: "He's a strong contender. He is young, wild, aggressive and hungry. He marches forward all the time. The fight will be interesting."

Chisora will be joined on the Olympiahalle bill by countryman Stephen Smith, as the featherweight returns from his shock British and Commonwealth title defeat by Lee Selby to take on Arpad Vass.