Two heavyweight-highlights in London
London will play host to one of the biggest boxing events of the summer, and not just the 2012 Olympic boxing competition. Upton Park is the chosen venue for two spectacular heavyweight encounters on July 14 presented by Frank Warren and Sauerland Event. Former world champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KOs) will face off with fellow Englishman Dereck Chisora (15-3, 9 KOs), while current WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16 KOs) will defend his title against mandatory challenger Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41 KOs) the very same night.
The official announcement of these two fights was made today at the home ground of the English Football Club West Ham United, the very same place where the bouts will actually take place in front of an estimated 40,000 strong crowd.
Not too long ago, a fight between Chisora and Haye seemed impossible. After showing great spirit during a fight against the current WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko, “Del Boy” failed to show the same class outside of the ring. The post-fight press conference was attended by David Haye, who verbally provoked Chisora, who then lost his temper.
The following confrontation ended in chaos. Therefore, boxing fans around the world will be looking forward to seeing this feud being settled inside the ring. “I just don’t like him,” said Chisora.
David Haye replied in cool fashion: “That is exactly why he is the perfect opponent for me. He will get a slow, concussive beating.”
“I am expecting it to be one of the most discussed and exciting fights of all time,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “Combined with the bout for the WBA Heavyweight Title between Alexander Povetkin and Hasim Rahman it is going to be an amazing show – and all this inside a great venue. A packed football stadium during night time and two great heavyweight highlights – this guarantees a great atmosphere and a lot of drama.”
The second fight of the night also promises to be a highlight. Current WBA Champion Alexander Povetkin, who won the belt last August against former title holder Ruslan Chagaev in Erfurt, will face off with former WBC and IBF Heavyweight Champion of the world Hasim Rahman, in his 3rd title defense.
Back in April 2001, Rahman took the belts of boxing legend Lennox Lewis after knocking him out in round five but lost it after the rematch. Since losing a title shot against Wladimir Klitschko in December 2008, the American has won all his following five fights by way of knockout and hence once again received the status as mandatory challenger for the WBA crown.
“Rahman has fought well for the right to challenge me,” said Povetkin, who did not attend the press conference. “But he won’t win anything against me. I will keep the world championship. That’s why I am very much looking forward to travelling to London.”
Chris Meyer, Managing Director of Sauerland Event, added: “It is quite possible that the two winners of the night will face each other in the future.”
