Alexander Hassenstein - Bongarts/Getty Images
Vitali Klitschko didn't have it easy tonight against Dereck Chisora, but earned a decision win in Munich. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Vitali Klitschko won a hard-fought battle today in Munich, Germany, successfully defending his WBC heavyweight title in a tense, big atmosphere fight against Dereck Chisora, who gave the 40-year-old Klitschko his toughest test in years. Klitschko won on scores of 118-110, 118-110, and 119-111. Bad Left Hook had it a tighter 116-112 for Klitschko, but he definitely deserved and earned this win.
Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO) started the fight well and was able to pick apart Chisora (15-3, 9 KO) over the first five rounds, but he couldn't get the determined, hard-charging Brit to back away, and in the middle rounds, the heat turned up. Chisora, 28, saw his pressure and body work pay off, as he pressed the veteran and started having more success offensively.
But just as Chisora built a bit of momentum, and brought the tally as close as 77-75 on my scorecard, Vitali turned it around again, and took over the rest of the fight, winning rounds nine through 11 before taking the 12th a bit easily, safely protecting his lead and not walking into any big shots from Chisora, who did fight the 12th round looking for the knockout, knowing he needed it.
There was unfortunately too much extracurricular nonsense before and after the fight, partially spoiling what was an entertaining main event. Well before the fight, there was controversy backstage, as Wladimir was sent by Team Klitschko to inspect Chisora's hand-wrapping process.
Prior to the fight in the ring, Chisora spit water in the face of Vitali's brother, Wladimir, who took it pretty well in stride. And then after the fight, Wladimir got into arguments with Chisora's team, and then with Chisora himself, after Chisora and Vitali had words. Eventually, Chisora's promoter Frank Warren boldly stepped in and took control of the situation as best he could, which was welcome.
We'll have more on what's next for both of these fighters. Vitali may only have one more fight left, as he's said he's strongly considering retirement this year, and Chisora's stock once again may have risen, even in defeat, and this time a legitimate defeat. He's not lovable, or even likeable, but Dereck Chisora is a welcome entrant into the heavyweight fold between the bells on fight night.
Undercard Results
Johnathon Banks won a wide decision over Nicolai Firtha in a pretty routine 12-round heavyweight fight.
Serhiy Fedchenko swept an eight-round decision against overmatched Laszlo Fazekas.
British featherweight Stephen Smith stopped Arpad Vass at 2:44 of the first round.
0 recs | 69 comments
Judt listened to Rawling chatting to Chisora. He’s a straight talker, he’s not bad mouthing anyone. Fair play to him.
Phill - February 18, 2012
There’s a lot to dislike about Dereck Chisora that doesn’t come up in boxing interviews. He’s an enjoyable fighter to watch and tough. That’s all I can give him.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
Not an easy person to like.
Phill - February 18, 2012
Impossible to like, at least for me.
DrRck - February 18, 2012
I will say that right now, he’s my favorite heavyweight to watch fight, by a mile.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
He's in my top 3 or 4, probably.
I like Helenius, aside from the Chisora fight where he was below par.
Also like Arreola, as much as I appreciate he’s limited.
I really like watching Fury. The vulnerability and his massive balls just make me want to watch. He invites adversity, and then comes back and wins the fight.
Also, if we’re classing Haye as an active heavyweight, then his fights (the Wlad debacle aside) are pretty good. The Barrett and Ruiz fights were good fun.
In order, I’d go:
Fury
Haye
Helenius
Chisora
Arreola
Olbas - February 18, 2012
You can’t put aside the Wlad debacle, and his fight with Valuev was honestly just as awful. Then there was the Harrison sham. Haye’s 50-50 for me. Never as exciting as I want him to be.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
But I did like the Barrett and Ruiz fights.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
I completely forgot Valuev.
It’s easily done.
And Wlad and Audley were terrible for more reasons than just Haye. Valuev too. It’s hard to make great fights with 7 foot yetis, guys who control you from the outside with a jab, and guys who simply won’t engage.
But I take your point.
Olbas - February 18, 2012
Vitali very honest there in saying that if Chisora had been faster, he would have given him problems.
Phill - February 18, 2012
Vitali is just a classy guy, haha.
CheCorner - February 18, 2012
Very entertaining fight.
Good job to Chisora. Made this a great battle. Shame he’s a pillock though
APG1 - February 18, 2012
Why dont Buncey or Rosenthall just tell Haye that he’s a bullshitter and no one gives a flying f’k about him.
Phill - February 18, 2012
I just want to see Haye get brutally KO’d. I’ll cheer for whoever’s gonna do it.
lcollins1 - February 18, 2012
I just opened my dictionary and looked up delusional.. It just said, “David Hay”.
Phill - February 18, 2012
total phony, Haye is.
That’s the biggest thing I appreciated tonight from Chisora: he gave it all. He talked a lot of shit and then some, and then he tried to actually back it up. The last thing I want to see is another HW talk shit and be disrespectful and then hide in the corner til they get KO’d.
lcollins1 - February 18, 2012
Whilst being handsomely paid to do so.
Phill - February 18, 2012
That was refreshing to watch. I’m a Dereck Chisora fan. He flopped the nuts, tried to win the HW crown tonight, gave it a helluva effort, and hopefully will give get another shot to do it again.
lcollins1 - February 18, 2012
I don’t understand how Vitali and Wladimir allow Chisora to slap and spit on them respectively with no retaliation.
Slapping and Spitting a grown man is the most disrespectful thing you can physically do to somebody.
lightskintwin - February 18, 2012
They’re secure enough not to worry, really. Both are just mature, sensible fellas, while still being monsters in the ring.
Oli Goldstein - February 18, 2012 via mobile
I understand that, However their lack of passion inside the ring as well as outside of it is part of the reason there’s a disconnect especially with American fans.
lightskintwin - February 18, 2012
By the way: Epix sucks. I’m glad I got to watch the fight, but that was a terrible stream.
lcollins1 - February 18, 2012
Good fight and a good effort from Chisora, he’s still extremely unlikable and that’s never going to change.
Klitschko is starting to look his age, I don’t think he’s got much longer left.
Brian Magee on Boxnation next. I’m looking forward to that fight.
Dave Oakes - February 18, 2012
Coulda said that about George Foreman once upon a time. Coulda also said it about Sonny Liston. One of ’em changed. Maybe Chisora will, too.
lcollins1 - February 18, 2012
Fine Chisora for the spitting
I never want to see that fucker fight again. I wish Wlad had broken his jaw.
Patrick L. Stumberg - February 18, 2012
so can i post the gif of wlad getting spat on?
I know there’s HBO problems and all, figured I’d ask
Cory Braiterman - February 18, 2012
anyone? anyone?
Bueller? Bueller?
Gifs?
Cory Braiterman - February 18, 2012
Nah, don’t. It’s a pain in the ass if they start having problems with it. Technically it IS legal, but I just hate having to deal with it if someone raises a stink. It’s not worth the time.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
GODDAMNIT
such whiners, all of them
Cory Braiterman - February 18, 2012
I can't find a personal message thing on this site, but if there is and I just can't find it, could you send me the gif?
Olbas - February 18, 2012
And then tell me how to get to my inbox?
Olbas - February 18, 2012
there is no personal message thing on this site. If you’re comfortable with the idea ,I can suggest put your email on your profile page and manage interchanges that way.
BoxAnne - February 18, 2012
How is this site with spam-bots and the like?
I’ve had awful problems before after making my email public.
Olbas - February 18, 2012
don’t know what a spam bot is. My email has been on my profile page for a long time with no problem, but I rarely mention it except in fight threads that go by fast—not on fanpost commentary or even news stories as a rule. So far, so good.
BoxAnne - February 18, 2012
Me too. No problems at all
Phill - February 18, 2012
Cool, thanks.
I’ll take this on board.
Olbas - February 18, 2012
the video’s up on the main page now. Videos are easier.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
Chisora is a much tougher fighter than I gave him credit for. The first few rounds went as I expected, and then something happened. Maybe Klitschko underestimated Chisora, maybe he got tired, maybe Chisora is just that tough.
KLitschko won, but he had a hard time.
DrRck - February 18, 2012
Yea, if nothing else, Chisora’s got one tough chin.
lcollins1 - February 18, 2012
I think that’s a large part of it. The Klitschko’s are very hard hitters, with a real standard, classical defense (Vitali less so). Chisora is not a great fighter, but he’s a “f*ck-you-I’ll-kill-you” kind of brawler with an impressive ability to take shots. And he never stops throwing.
The only part of this arsenal that mattered, as far as I could see, is the durability.
DrRck - February 18, 2012
I don’t think Chisora is a real prospect, even after tonight.
DrRck - February 18, 2012
Well, I don’t like the person, but he’s definitely a prospect, in fact, more, he’s a contender.
BoxAnne - February 18, 2012
Let's see Chisora fight Wlad
He’ll do better than he did tonight.
I’d bet Wlad gets hit more and lands less than big bro.
The only thing is, Wlad’ll hold WAY more.
Chisora won’t have a problem getting inside as lil bro doesn’t use his legs to keep guys at bay, so the distance to cut is shorter. He’ll have to let his hands go in the clinch, which he does well.
I thought Chisora would make a good fight out of it vs Vitali and I think he did so.
But I’ll say it now- The Chisora who showed up tonight can beat Wlad. Better style for him.
Lee Payton - February 18, 2012
Yea, I can see it go better or worse for Chisora v. Vlad, but I’d like to see it period.
lcollins1 - February 18, 2012
I disagree. Wlad’s jab is better at keeping guys outside than Vitali’s footwork today. Even if you think Chisora would be able to neutralize it, he’d still be open to Wlad’s superior hooks. This doesn’t even take into account the fact that Wlad generally punches much harder than Vitali does today.
bachwards - February 18, 2012
I’m on this boat. I think Wlad knocks his head off, but then I firmly believe Wladimir’s the better fighter. Many still don’t, but the 2008-present Vitali, good (great) as he is is not the younger Vitali.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
agreed
Vitali was lazy in places tonight. Wlad will be more focused, and he has a better jab.
Matt Miller - February 18, 2012
Well, I was right about this one being a good fight. I also boldly said I’m looking forward to Povetkin-Huck next week. If I go 2-for-2 I’ll be thrilled.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
Have to admit
I’m looking forward to it as well.
The golden age of heavyweight boxing.
geraldmcgrew - February 18, 2012
Brian Magee is being shown now on BoxNation.
Phill - February 18, 2012
Is that the guy that fought Bute?
Olbas - February 18, 2012
Yes, Stopped in the tenth, I think. I never saw it though.
Phill - February 18, 2012
I think I saw it, but from what I remember it was a bit of a non-event.
I could be thinking of the wrong fight, however.
Olbas - February 18, 2012
Nah it was a good fight.
ColtJouvet - February 18, 2012
Bummer… BoxNation has gone off.
Phill - February 18, 2012
Body shot. Magee wins.
DrRck - February 18, 2012
Cheers, mine quit at midnight.
Phill - February 18, 2012
This is literally all of the fight that I saw. I wandered away to actually live some tiny slice of something resembling an adult life, and then, bang.
DrRck - February 18, 2012
Just heard that Martin Rogan is fighting Tyson Fury April 14th.
Phill - February 18, 2012
I had a feeling this fight would be made.
It’s not a great fight for Fury, is it? He should comfortably stop Rogan, and if anything this is a step down in class.
Olbas - February 18, 2012
It’s a shit fight. Rogan’s a great, great guy, but please.
Scott Christ - February 18, 2012
Rogie is always value for money, but yes, Fury should win this one.
Phill - February 18, 2012
Haven't seen Rogan for ages, in fact thought he'd retired.
But isn’t he also really short for a heavyweight?
This fight could look really strange, given Fury’s height.
“Don’t punch him below the belt, Martin!!”
“But I can’t reach his belt!!”
Olbas - February 18, 2012
They just shook hands, Fury looked massive stood by Rogan. He’ll have to kneel down for this one.
Phill - February 18, 2012
I actually like the fight
Just for the fact that it will be a real war of attrition. Fury will give you a chance, and Rogan has massive heart and will.
Sweet science - February 18, 2012
Liver shot, on the replay.
DrRck - February 18, 2012
118-110, 118-110, and 119-111 is not hard earned.
Boss Man - February 18, 2012
I think Chisora may be benefiting right now from low expectations, but I need to rewatch the fight with a better stream.
Matt Miller - February 18, 2012
great effort from Chisora
Lost the fight, but really gave it his all. I don’t mind his antics as boxing is a business, and he may well have earnt himself another shot at a K, what with Wlad taking a dislike to him and his effort tonight.
Loved (Cringed more like) how Haye was boldly stating he will KO Vitali in the summer…. Just make sure you wear steel toe caps David ok :)
Sweet science - February 18, 2012
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