The Londoner will enter the ring a massive underdog against a 40-year-old Klitschko who has not come close to losing since he was stopped on cuts against Lennox Lewis a decade ago.

Chisora was cherry-picked by the giant Ukrainian for the voluntary defence despite the Briton losing two of his last three fights, firstly to Tyson Fury and then - controversially - to Robert Helenius.

"Maybe this will be the toughest test of his career. It's going to be amazing whatever happens. It will be a great fight, the public will love it. "
Dereck Chisora Quotes of the week

But that record does not deter the ever-optimistic Chisora, whose all-action style at least promises to give Klitschko a tougher workout than for some time.

Amazing

"Everyone is saying that it will be the toughest test of my career but that's just because he has been on the throne for such a long time," said the Finchley fighter.

"Maybe this will be the toughest test of his career. It's going to be amazing whatever happens. It will be a great fight, the public will love it.

"Vitali has been around a long time. He is the king of the sport but it's about time that somebody came in who is young and fresh, who is not scared of anyone and who is going to whoop his ass.

"A lot of people have tried to do it but they don't have the swagger and the passion to go in there and do the business but I have got it.

"I'm not scared of them. I'm passionate about the sport and I'm not scared of them. That's why I am going to be successful."

Contender

Many have questioned Chisora's credentials but Klitschko, as ever, is taking nothing for granted as he talked up his opponent's chances at Monday's press conference.

"He's a strong contender - he is young, wild, aggressive and hungry," he said. "He marches forward all the time.

"I was very impressed how Chisora fought against Helenius and for me - without any doubt - he won the fight. The judges gave Helenius the victory but we are boxers, we are experts.

"We know who won, we know Chisora beat Helenius. So he's currently the strongest challenger out there.

"After that performance I wanted to take him next as I always want to prove myself against the best."