Dillian Whyte vs Derek Chisora 2: A Game of Inches
Sometimes in sports something as small as being born at the right time can give all the edge you need. This is a rematch of their 2016 fight where Dillian Whyte pulled off a razor thin split decision over Derek Chisora.
In this fight, Whyte has a four year age advantage, he’s a little bigger, a little more versatile, and more marketable than the veteran Chisora.
This is a fight with major ramifications. Simply put the winner is the front runner for an April 13 fight with unified champion Anthony Joshua.
This alone should be heavy motivation for both fighters to put on an excellent show.
The rematch should mirror the first one stylistically. It will be an action packed, but somewhat sloppy. Both fighters stayed busy and had long stretches where they struggled to connect.
The fact that their stamina and accuracy are so even, the bout became a war of attrition, leaving fans and judges conflicted as to who won.
Advice for Chisora
For Chisora to win the rematch he’ll have to utilize his superior ring IQ and find a way to land his jab more consistently. The best ways for him to do this is to lure the taller man towards him, forcing him to give up his height.
This is a challenge because Chisora likes to hold his ground, and he’s a little heavy footed. He’s going to need to step and slide to his right to create the jabbing angle he needs.
Next he will need to push the pace when takes his Whyte inevitable breaks. Lastly, the tough Brit will need to invest in the body early in the fight to create opportunities in the latter rounds.
Advice for Whyte
For Whyte to win he needs to focus on being a little sharper and hopefully he’s worked on his stamina. Additionally, it may serve him well to come in a little lighter.
There is one improvement that will be there for him. Prior to his fight with Lucas Browne he had surgery on his left shoulder. Since then his left-hook has returned, and it’s been an effective tool.
Here he’ll need to use it on his body early and often. If Whyte utilizes this punch effectively not only should he win, he may force a stoppage.
Lastly, he needs to commit to his jab more. In the first fight he abandoned his jab, and got into a lot of exchanges. Being that Chisora throws straighter punches he landed first.
The Outcome
In conclusion, Whyte’s youth and size should get him over the hump. Due to Chisora’s ring savvy expect a close fight but, the younger man should be able to pull out a clearer win down the stretch.
By: Corey Cunningham
