Boxing Betting / Alex Steedman / 17 February 2012 /

Alex Steedman explains that, while the British fighter will give Saturday's fight his best shot, is likely to be outclassed by a champion in peak condition...

David Haye would probably agree with Oscar Wilde line that "when the Gods want to punish us they answer our prayers." Having clamoured for years to scrap Vladimir Klitschko, Haye was to an extent embarrassed when granted that wish. Seven months on and following more than a year of cancellations and disappointments, Dereck Chisora gets his wish to face up to big brother Vitali in Munich this weekend.

It is, in every aspect, a monumental challenge for Chisora [11.0]. The north Londoner will weigh along similar lines to the Ukrainian champion but he will concede six inches in both height as well as reach and is a novice pup in terms of experience. Klitschko [1.09] has enjoyed twice as many knockouts as Chisora has had fights and having scaled his lowest weight in 13 years when hammering Tomasz Adamek in September, the big man is looking rejuvenated, if not better than ever at the age of 40.

Clearly, it is a massive step up for Chisora who was beaten for the first time at domestic level by the promising Tyson Fury last July. To be fair, Del Boy was a ridiculous 261lbs that night, so he may have lost the fight in McDonalds, but even his excellent effort against Robert Helenius in December leaves him some way short. Truth is, Chisora was robbed in Finland and he weighed a more appropriate 243lbs (Klitschko was the same for Adamek). In terms of approach, the busy, get close and punch tactics which should have brought Chisora the decision against Helenius are what will be required to survive or flourish in Munich but not so easy to employ against the classier Klitschko.

What we do know about Del Boy is that he will give it a go. As engaging as he is sometimes a bit daft, Chisora happens to be game along with it. A confident character by nature, Chisora will need that positivity in bundles because he is likely to be hit and hurt like never before. As well as being big and pretty good, Klitschko also holds the best KO record in heavyweight history. He doesn't spark opponents quite like he used to - Klitschko has gone at least eight rounds in nine of his last ten fights - but he always, always hurts his man. I was in Poland for the Adamek fight and believe me, from ten feet away at ringside that was really painful to watch; the beating Shannon Briggs soaked up a year before even more so. That Oscar Wilde line comes back to me again.

It is possible that Chisora will be able to dart in close then wing an overhand right but there is nothing to suggest that Klitschko is ready to crumble in an area where he has always looked solid. Except an injury retirement 12 years ago and of course the famous cuts' stoppage to Lennox Lewis when ahead on points in 2003, Klitschko has rarely been troubled. It really is almost impossible to see Chisora winning this at all. A small interest in Klitschko by KO rounds 7-10 inclusive will return at least [8.0] collectively but it probably makes sense to keep it simple and back Klitschko with most of your marbles to win by KO/TKO/DQ at [1.44] which I think is a very fair price given his record of 40 stoppages in 43 wins.

After all of that don't be surprised if we hear the clamour and call of a familiar Englishman in the background. We might just be talking about David Haye and the Klitschkos all over again.

Recommended Bets

Back Vitali Kltschko to win by KO,TKO or DQ @ [1.44]

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