I'm really looking forward to this fight, Vitali/Chisora. Massive credit should be given to Vitali for fighting the best available opposition. He took the fight with historic alltime great Lennox Lewis on short notice. Then he came out of retirement to face an in-his-prime, Sam Peter (who at the time many were picking to be the HW ruler) and KO'd him, then he took on very dangerous fights in Odlanier Solis, and now this.
Realistically, based on Chisora's last fight where he won but was robbed against Helenius. I'd say that Chisora is probably the #2 challenger in the World to the Klitschko's behind Alex Povetkin. Of course, we should also remember that Tyson Fury beat Chisora, but truthfully, Chisor'a efforts against Helenius turned him into an instant top5 HW in the world.
Vitali therefore deserves credit for fighting the best opponents and giving this chance to Chisora. This is not a fight that Vitali was forced to take, rather he chose this fight.
Personally, I don't give Chisora much of a chance to win this fight. Granted, upsets can happen anytime in boxing. Chisora comes to fight, will give his best effort, and probably go down swinging. But Vitali really is several levels above Chisora in terms of skill, talent, ring intelligence.
Chisora is a very good fighter, the difference is that Vitali is a master-class fighter. Chisora was able to essentially walk in on Helenius. He will *not* do that with Vitali and he will pay for every inch he moves forward by receiving punches.
Vitali is much harder hitter than Chisora, speed is about equal I'd say, and Vitali is *massively* more experienced, intelligent in the ring, and mentally tough. I'd also wager that Vitali's defense is substantially better.
The only "advantage" I'd say that Chisora may have over Vitali is his volume punching. Chisora throws a lot of shots, more than Vitali, and he has a mauling style. Personally I dont think that style is a good style to use VS Vitali, because Vitali LIKES that and will counter/out strengthen Dereck. The best wya to fight Vitali is to box him, pot shots (similar to what Odlanier was doing before he got KO'd).
Realistically, I'd give Chisora less than a 10% chance of winning this fight, and that may be generous. The only chance he has is that Vitali is injured, or suddenly becomes "old overnight". I really doubt that's going to happen though. If Vitali is fit, healthy, and fighting on par with his last few fights, then Dereck has no real chance of winning this fight.
Vitali truly is absolute leagues above Dereck in terms of skill level.
My Prediction: Vitali Mid/Late Rds TKO.
I wouldn't rule out a Decision win for VK though.
