By Johnny Walker
Colorful UK heavyweight Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora got himself back into contention today by prevailing over previously undefeated American Malik Scott today at the Wembley Arena in London, England.
The contest went as expected, with the offensive-minded Chisora bobbing and weaving a la Joe Frazier and Scott taking to the ropes to try to launch counterpunching flurries. Scott connected on occasion but also hit nothing but air frequently, due to Chisora’s movement. The light-punching Scott did little to dissuade Chisora from bulling his way inside, and there were quite a few tedious wrestling clinches in the first part of the fight, clinches which seemed to sap the energy of the American as the fight progressed.
The rounds, as in the case in most of Scott’s fights, were difficult to score due to the evasiveness of the slick American. Scott scored with a few nifty counter combinations, but they seemed to have little effect, while Chisora’s efforts to pound Scott’s body hard did seem to be slowing the American as the fight progressed.
This writer had Chisora ahead three rounds to two as the fight entered the sixth stanza, based partly on the Briton’s willingness to make the fight. Chisora came on strong in the sixth, landing a thudding combination, scoring again as Scott took to his usual refuge in the ropes. Finally, as Scott was making his way to the ropes once again, Chisora landed an overhand right that caught Scott behind the ear, with the usual result of a delayed reaction knockdown. Scott tried to remain down to recuperate until the last second — much as his countryman Tony Thompson did when knocked down by David Price a few weeks ago.
But referee Phil Edwards administered a quick count, and when Scott tried to rise at the count of nine, Edwards waved off the fight.
In actuality, Scott, who now falls to 35-1-1, seemed to be fully recovered, and there is little doubt the fight could have continued.
Though his corner, including Canadian trainer Russ Anber, was furious, Scott, to his credit, refused to make a big issue of the quick stoppage after the fight.
“I beat the count,” he said matter of factly, but refused to belabor the topic.
“He hit me with a shot by the ear, an equilibrium shot.”
Chisora (17-5), who won the vacant WBO International Heavyweight Championship, said that “[Scott] was missing with his shots and I caught him.”
Promoter Frank Warren lauded Chisora for being in superior condition, and said his charge would be back in action on September 21.
“When he’s in the condition he should be in, he’s a different kind of fighter,” said Warren.
“Dereck showed what he is capable of doing.”