One of British boxing’s most enigmatic figures returns to the ring exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday (July 20) as he headlines a star-studded British bill at London’s Wembley Arena.
He faces American fighter Malik Scott for the Vacant WBO International Heavyweight title in what promises to be an exciting and intriguing contest topping a strong British bill which includes Gary O’Sullivan against Billy Joe Saunders.
The 29-year-old Chisora, who was involved in two of the biggest fights of 2012, returned to the ring after a nine month absence to put Argentina’s Hector Alfredo Avila away with a ninth round TKO.
Now the Zimbabwe-born Londoner faces another difficult fight as Philadelphia’s Scott, 32, puts his unbeaten record on the line.
Former world title challenger Chisora is on the road back to a second title shot and a win against the dangerous Philadelphian will put the Finchley puncher back in a strong position to land a world title opportunity.
Unbeaten American, Deontay Wilder, was announced as the original opponent, but his subsequent arrest for domestic battery and his inability to travel outside of the US meant that promoter Frank Warren had to scrap that fight and reschedule the show.
Offers had been made to some of the world’s leading heavyweights including Manuel Charr and Fres Oquendo who both turned the fight down, as did Tyson Fury – who was offered a career best payday for a rematch – and Tomasz Adamek.
Last week Goossen Tutor Promotions, Scott’s promoters, said that Malik was ready and willing to leave the US and face Chisora in England.
The 6ft 4in, athletically built, Scott comes into the fight with a top record of 35 wins from 36 and in his last fight he was awarded a controversial draw against unbeaten Ukrainian prospect Vyacheslav Glazkov in a fight that many at ringside felt he had won.
Frank Warren worked hard to secure Scott after the disappointment with Wilder and said in the build-up: “This is an exciting heavyweight fight.
“We have made offers to many of the top heavyweights, but it was Scott who called Chisora out and wants the fight so now he’s got his wish.”
Chisora added, “I can’t wait for the fight. Scott is a great name to have on my record, he’s big, unbeaten and dangerous I’m just looking forward to going out there and doing a real good job on him.
“I’m disappointed that the other guys turned the opportunity down, but I will make a real statement against Scott and show that I’m back on track for the world title.”
Chief support on the card sees Ireland’s Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan aiming to defend his WBO International Middleweight Championship against the dynamite-fisted Billy Joe Saunders.
Both men stake their unbeaten records in a lightning domestic dustup that has fight of the year potential. Irishman O’Sullivan, 28, will bring his 16-0 record and WBO International title into the ring, while British and Commonwealth Champion Saunders, 23, is 17-0.
O’Sullivan took a relatively comfortable unanimous decision on an infamous Upton Park night headlined by David Haye and Dereck Chisora’s grudge match last July.
The Irishman dismantled Lithuanian journeyman Tadas Jonkus inside three rounds a few weeks ago, and now he’ll look to defend his WBO title in the hardest fight of his career to date.
Other undercard fights on the Wembley Arena bill include a selection of the best young talent coming through the ranks, including Frank Buglioni, Bradley Saunders and Bradley Skeete.
BoxNation will have full coverage of this highly anticipated fight night from Wembley Arena in London.
Jim Rosenthal introduces the action from ringside, with Steve Bunce and Steve Lillis providing expert analysis and commentary from John Rawling.
For further information on other forthcoming live fights on BoxNation and details on how to subscribe – visit boxnation.com.
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Saturday 20th July
Behind Enemy Lines – Chisora v Scott
LIVE: 8.00pm-1.00am BoxNation RUNNING ORDER
