Chisora vows to defy critics and take Fury’s title

Underdog Derek Chisora says he does not care what the critics think as he bids to upset Tyson Fury and win the WBC heavyweight on title on Saturday.

“I don’t care what is said. For me to give up, just because a newspaper says so, I can’t do that,” he said.

“It is going to be the best first round in the heavyweight game ever, you’re going to love the whole show.”

Earlier this week, Fury and Chisora vowed to stand in the middle of the ring in the opening round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and go toe-to-toe for the first three minutes.

Chisora, 38, fought for the WBC belt 10 years ago, losing on points to Vitali Klitschko, and revealed that Fury was the main architect behind this fight.

“He gave me a phone call and put food on my kids’ table,” he added.

“He has given me an opportunity when Frank Warren didn’t want to give me an opportunity, Bob Arum didn’t want to give me an opportunity and my former promoter Eddie Hearn didn’t want to give me an opportunity.

“All of these guys in the game don’t want me on this stage. But friendship will be out of the door and this big man will get it. I will not hold back, I’m going to war.

“I want to take what’s his and make it mine.”

‘This is my hobby and what I love to do’

Fury, who announced he would retire from boxing in April only to return a few months later, said: “I’m in a very good place with boxing at the moment. I’m back, I’m hungry, I’m putting the work in, I’m grinding.

“I’ve been in love with boxing for such a long time from being a little boy and I’m 34 now, probably at the end of my career in the next few years. It has been a love-hate relationship and it has been toxic at times, but when it is good, it is very good.

“I’ve wanted to leave a lot of times but it always drags me back. It’s like a massive drug and an addiction.

“Boxing is more addictive than any drug ever because you can’t let it go.

“This is a hobby now rather than a business or sport. This is my hobby and what I love to do.”

Dubois aims for another quick night

While Fury’s bout with Chisora is the main event, there’s also another British heavyweight in action for the chief support as Daniel Dubois defends his WBA (regular) title against 30-year-old South African Kevin Lerena.

Dubois, 25, defeated the previously-undefeated American Trevor Bryan to pick up the WBA (regular) belt and, at 6ft 5in, will tower over 6ft 1in Lerena.

“I will do what I do and stop him quickly,” said Dubois, who has claimed 17 of his 18 wins inside the distance.

“I have lost weight so I will be coming in with speed and am able to move now.

“I’m not taking him lightly but I’m 100% ready for him.”

“I want to fight the guys with the belts next,” he added. “I want to show I’m a legitimate contender.”

Analysis – mutual respect and an intriguing bet

Chisora and Fury are known to be volatile at a news conferences days before fights, but both men were on their best behaviour as they showed respect.

Fury entertained from the moment he walked into the room, jokingly complaining about the reception he received and demanding more noise from the media, other fighters and those gathered.

While Fury was making his way to the top table, Chisora was giving BT Sport host Paul Dempsey a torrid time with repeated one-word answers, before Fury shouted “this is boring”.

But once sat down, the determination of the pair was clear with a standing Fury repeatedly talking about how seriously he was taking the threat of his rival.

Chisora has slapped, spat at and even thrown tables at his opponents in past pre-fight meetings, but it was clear to see the gratitude he had towards Fury, refusing to say anything negative about his opponent.

Intriguingly, they spoke of a bet they had made, which was not for money but one which they would not divulge further. They also vowed to stand in the middle of the ring and trade punches rather than adopt a cautious approach.

Despite being focused on Chisora, Fury wants a unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk, which has a potential window of happening between 18 February and 4 March, according to his promoter Alex Krassyuk, in London with Ukrainian Denys Berinchyk.

Fury gatecrashed an interview with BT Sport, shouting at Krassyuk: “‘Why are you hiding him? Have you got him [Usyk] in your pocket? Get him out, get him out to fight. Don’t worry about me.”

For any hope of Fury v Usyk, though, he must take care of Chisora first.