Back in January 1990 there was a heavyweight contest in Atlantic City, USA headlined ‘Geezers at Caesars’. It featured former heavyweight champion George Foreman against a comebacking Gerry Cooney. The fighters had a combined age of 74 !
It ended inside two rounds with the multiple knockdown and final KO of Cooney. He would never fight professionally again, but Foreman would go onto regain the heavyweight crown spectacularly four years later.
Sat in yesterday’s final press conference for tomorrow’s (4 April) contest at the O2 Arena, London between British heavyweight Dereck Chisora (aged 42), and American and former WBC champion Deontay Wilder (40), that Foreman-Cooney meeting sprung to mind.
Diet and conditioning have in the last thirty-plus years made considerable strides but we’re still dealing with a combined age of 82 !
The event is also headlined ‘100’ to recognise that this is both main contestants fiftieth professional fight. It pitches the heavyweight (Wilder) with the highest knockout ratio against a perennial world title contender (Chisora) who doesn’t normally take a backward step. A consummate entertainer, but must be said ‘limited’ at the highest level.
The event, with a competitive undercard, is expected to be near sold-out and will be broadcast live on streaming site DAZN pay-per-view. It is promoted by new kids on the block MFPro and, Queensberry.
Chisora (36-13, 23 KO’s) and Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) are both over six feet tall. The American has a five inch height and nine inch reach advantage. His superior KO power is likely though to be the deciding factor.
At the press conference Chisora threatened his usual ‘War’ and high intensity from the opening bell, predicting a one round KO in his favour. This appeared as genuine as he could convey, punctuated with repeated expletives, whereas Wilder was a bit more circumspect and, philosophical as ever. He ended his time on the dais with his moniker ‘Bomb Squad’ roar.
Fireworks are promised and it will be entertaining whilst it lasts, but unless Wilder lets his emotions get the better of him and unravels, then a further KO is expected on his resume, and if he still has the desire, another world title shot will follow.
Chisora will hopefully drift off into the sunset, with his reputation already secured, and his faculties still intact long-term. Lets say no more.
The Undisputed 