Dereck Chisora vs Artur Szpilka: A Battle of Former World Title Contenders
On July 20, at the O2 Arena, there is a interesting under-card fight that will feature two former title contenders looking to remain relevant in the heavyweight division.
Dereck Chisora (30-9, 21KO) will face tough veteran fighter Artur Szpilka (22-3, 15KO). This fight has the ingredients to be more exciting than it appears.
Chisora is like a Timex watch: “takes a licking and keeps on ticking”. The UK heavyweight has been in the ring with the likes of lineal champion Tyson Fury, Kubrat Pulev, Malik Scott, Robert Helenius and Hall of Fame fighter Vtali Klitschko.
The 35-year old currently ranks #11 with the WBC. Despite his record, he continues to be a fixture in the changing heavyweight division.
Szpilka, a 30-year old Polish fighter, after losing a title bid against WBC champion Deontay Wilder by brutal knockout in 2016, was out for over a year before returning in 2017.
He would lose again via knockout by prospect Adam Kownacki, placing him at gate-keeper status. The former world champion contender bounced back in 2018 with a two-fight win-streak.
What makes this fight exciting is that these are two aggressive, throw-caution-to-the-wind type of fighters. Both men are extremely durable and show up ready to fight.
A loss by either man would signal the end of their respective careers. Fans should expect both men to either go for, or suffer, a knockout.
Either way, it should provide enough action to get the crowd pumped for the main event.
INTERESTING FACTS
David Haye, Chisora’s former rival, now serves as his manager. It’s well-documented the hatred both men once had for each other over the years.
The infamous 2012 brawl in Munich saw both British fighters get into a slug-fest at a post press conference following the Klitschko title fight. Many will remember the hilarious saying from Chisora “he glassed me!”
This resulted in the WBC suspending Chisora indefinitely and a ban from future fights for the title.
By: Garrisson Bland
