Dereck Chisora has predicted that he will knock out Vitali Klitschko in the eighth round of their WBC heavyweight title clash.
British fighter confident he will be crowned new heavyweight king
Dereck Chisora has predicted that he will knock out Vitali Klitschko in the eighth round of their WBC heavyweight title clash in Munich on February 18.
The 28-year-old Brit has twice been scheduled to fight Vitali's brother Wladimir but each time had his chance to challenge for a world title taken away when the Ukrainian pulled out.
Chisora has lost two of his last three fights, including a controversial split decision defeat to Robert Helenius in Finland most recently, but is still confident of victory against the heavily favoured Klitschko.
And the Londoner, who also lost to Tyson Fury in a domestic showdown last year, thinks he can become the first person to legitimately knock the 40-year-old out.
"Number eight is my lucky number and Vitali is going down in the eighth round," Chisora said when the pair came head-to-head at a press conference in London.
"He just does not know what is coming - I am physically and mentally coming to take what is his and make it mine. I hope you are prepared for that.
"I have already said to Vitali, 'I hope you don't chicken out like your little brother, just make sure you are there'.
"I just hope you do not come up with excuses, say, 'there is a problem with this or that'. I just want to fight."
Tired
Chisora added: "Everybody is tired of you and your brother, because you do not bring excitement to the game. They have killed the sport I love.
"It is time for the new king, and that will be me come February 18.
"I have everyone around the world on my side - in China they may not have heard of me, but after I whoop you're a**, then they will.
"The time is here. He is the doctor and I am the black plague. I am coming to destroy him in his own back yard."
Klitschko believes Chisora is a "hungry" contender but brushed off concerns that age may finally catch up with him at the Olympiahalle next month.
"I have a lot of experience, but now I have to prove my skills again against a British guy, also my age," he said.
"I feel like I am 25, have been sparring against guys who are half my age and I am in great condition and form. I do not want to go on to break the record of George Foreman - but being 40 is not an old man."
Klitschko added: "Every fight can be your last, so I prepare like it will be the last fight in your career.
"I will give my best to hold this title for a long time and that I can give it back to the federation for myself when I decide."
