By Frank Warren
Nothing grips fight fans more than genuine even money match-ups. Factor heavyweights into the equation and the appeal magnifies several fold.
So this evening’s transatlantic crossroads clash between Dereck Chisora and Malik Scott at Wembley Arena promises to be a real belter. The big lads have the greatest propensity for delivering fireworks and the Britain versus USA angle brings added sparkle. Bookmakers are unable to split the pair with both principals listed at 11-10 on.
The visitor, who hails from the great fight city of Philadelphia, is yet to meet with defeat in a 36 fight professional career that dates back to November 2000.
Schooled by Hall of Fame trainer Jesse Reid – who already has 23 world champions on his CV – the 6ft 4in Scott was a former Junior Olympics gold medallist and senior US amateur champion whilst still in his teen years. He lost just three times in 73 amateur bouts and has since been avoided like a leper since joining the paid code.
A personable, God fearing character outside the ropes, the Yank initially honed his craft as a hired spar hand to former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.
He landed in the UK last week looking lean and honed and brings a reputation as a highly skilled, quick and agile all-rounder, blessed with a superb jab. This evening represents his first pro airing outside of the USA.
It’s essential that match-ups involving viable contenders such as this, and the Tyson Fury-David Haye showdown set for September, are made to breathe much needed oxygen into the stagnating, Klitschko-dominated heavyweight division.
Some question why I continue to invest heavily in Chisora who has lost his last four title fights and has a well-earned reputation for being unpredictable and obstinate beyond the ropes.
I’m the first to concede that ‘Del Boy’ has done his share of stupid things but I see a heavyweight of potential. Dereck, a late starter in the sport, is only 29 years old and has had just 20 professional fights.
I persisted similarly with Danny Williams after he endured a couple of defeats and the ‘Brixton Bomber’ repaid me by ironing out Iron Mike Tyson! It’s commonly acknowledged that Chisora was shafted by the blind mice masquerading as judges when he challenged Finnish giant Robert Helenius for the European title in Helsinki in 2011.
The other reverses on his slate – to Tyson Fury, Vitali Klitschko and David Haye – are incontestable but all are world class men and only the Hayemaker had Del on the floor.
The Klitschko loss probably came before he was truly ready but Chisora is utterly fearless and will put his body and reputation on the line against literally anyone; a commendable trait in a prizefighter.
He showed in his WBC title tilt at Klitschko 17 months back that he has the skills, resilience and fortitude to compete with the very best. He faltered simply because he lacked maturity and experience.
Little should be read from Del’s lacklustre showing in his rust-shedding comeback fight in April when, weighing a blubbery 18 stone, he laboured to stop an Argentine journeyman in nine.
It also transpired that, despite grafting hard at the gymnasium, he struggled to shift surplus timber because, away from the watchful eye of trainer Don Charles, he was stuffing his face with sweets and biscuits. A dietician has since been recruited and Chisora is presently in the best shape of his career.
Del desperately needs stiff challenges to unleash the beast within. Initially, he was primed to face US kayo artist Deontay Wilder, whose CV lists 28 stoppage wins in 28 fights. However, shortly after announcing the match, the American was indicted for domestic assault and therefore unable to travel. In Scott, we delivered an opponent of similar standing, if not quite as combustible.
Chisora is aware that this is a must win affair if he has any pretensions of breaking back into championship class. And I expect him to deliver; rumbling forward, disrupting Scott’s rhythm and bullying him down the stretch of the scheduled 12 rounder. Expect it to be close and competitive throughout, mind.
The odds might not be as tight but the forums seem equally as split over who will prevail when unbeaten middleweights Billy Joe Saunders and Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan collide in the support.
Corkman O’Sullivan carries concussive power in both fists but the former teenage Olympian Saunders has a lot of class. Victory here, then again in September when he defends his British middleweight strap against Islington’s John Ryder will elevate the 23 year old Romany gypsy to the cusp of a world title challenge.
Also on the card, big hitting north London super-middleweight Frank Buglioni features in an international eight rounder. Unbeaten in eight with six stoppages, the man they call ‘The Wise Guy’ is arguably the most prolific small hall ticket seller in the land.
Keep an eye out also for the second pro start of Steve Collins Jnr, son of the ex WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion of the same name.
His teak tough father defeated both Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn twice each and if junior inherits a fraction of his fighting gene, he’ll enjoy a fruitful career.
All in all, a quality night’s boxing to savour. BoxNation televise live.
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Terrible news from Indonesia last week. After the defeat of a local boxer in an amateur match 18 people were killed in the arena. They were trampled to death as 1,500 people left the 600 capacity venue.
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Last Wednesday I co-hosted Talksport’s Breakfast Show with Alan Brazil. One of the phone-in guests was Frank Bruno. Frank was in good spirits and, as always, was good to chat to him.
On Tuesday BBC Three will broadcast Rachel Bruno’s documentary My Dad & Me. Through talking to her Dad about his condition and other suffers Rachel sets out to discover the truth about her Dad’s illness. It should be worth a watch.