The Big Payback

Munich - The heavyweight boxing match-up between Dereck 'Del Boy' Chisora and WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko finally came alive on Friday with drama at the pre-fight weigh-in.

The two fighters will go toe-to-toe in the ring at the Olympiahalle later tonight and if things were all a bit too sweet and nice until now, Britain's Chisora certainly soured the champions face by slaping him when the two squared up for the final stare-down.

"Klitschko is the last person you want to pick a fight with. That was professional suicide. Chisora was never going to win but all this means is he will lose quicker," said Adam Booth, trainer of David Haye when asked for his thoughts moments after the scuffle.

Chisora came up to scales wearing a Union Jack bandana covering his nose and face. His cool and laid-back demeanour was noticeably missing as he stepped up on the platform. After both fighters had been weighed in (Chisora 241 pounds, Klitschko 244 lbs) they stood together for the customary stare-down.

Chisora was undoubtedly pumped up as he leaned his forehead into his opponent.  Then without warning he gave Klitschko a big right-handed slap on the face.  The pair were immediately seperated, fingers pointed at each other.  Klitschko remained clam and in control as usual but was clearly shocked by such an unprovoked assault. His immediate response was "if he wants to fight, come with closed fists not an open hand.  If he's brave he shouldn't jump away."

Up until this point Chisora had been behaved at each appointment they both attended, even complimenting the champion on his acheivements but after such a display of thuggery, Chisora has now painted himelf as an unpredictable streetfighter, possibly what he intended to do.

What waits to be seen is whether Klitschko will be so incensed by having such a liberty taken, he will be more focused on knocking out his challenger sooner rather than later.  Maybe being the hated underdog will spur Chisora on and focus him on the task ahead. 

One thing is for sure, it's  payback now and Klitschko will be letting his fist write the cheques.

Tale of the Tape

Vitali Klitschko
Age 40, 45 fights, 43 wins, 40 by KO
Last loss: June 21st, 2003 vs. Lennox Lewis (GB) in a 6th round TKO defeat (cut eye).

Dereck Chisora
Age 28, 17 fights, 15 wins, 9 by KO
Last loss: December 3rd, 2011 vs. Robert Helenius (FIN) by split decision.