Dillian Whyte vs Dereck Chisora press conference: Watch replay as heavyweights announce O2 rematch
Watch full replay from press conference ahead of December 22 rematch
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Dereck Chisora promised that he is “not preparing to box – but preparing to go to war” ahead of his December 22 rematch with domestic rival Dillian Whyte.
The pair faced the press shortly after announcing their December rematch at The O2 in London, and it did not take particularly long for tempers to flare.
Watch a full replay of the press conference above and find our full preview below.
What you need to know:
When is the fight?
The fight is on December 22.
Where is the fight?
London’s O2 Arena will host the clash?
What happened in the first fight?
Whyte edged a points decision over Chisora, after a thrilling fight that went down as a contender for fight of the year.
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to The Independent's live stream of Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora's press conference following the announcement that the British heavyweights will fight each other at the O2 on 22 December 2018.
Remember last time?
These two have history and in the run-up to their 2016 fight, Dereck Chisora threw a table at Dillian Whyte and confronted Eddie Hearn and Adam Smith.
What will it be this time, chair, lamp, microphone? I'm going to his water.
Whyte: This is the donkey's final fight
"This is going to be the donkey's final destination," said Whyte. "This will be Chisora's last fight, the donkey's last ride. I think that he needs to really have a good think about taking this fight, because he's going to be heading home after it looking like he's been run over by a truck.
"I believe that I'll knock him out in devastating fashion this time. Last time was my first 12 rounder and I was a little bit inexperienced, but this time I'll know exactly what to do. He's at the end of the road.
"This is heavyweight boxing and you never know what's around the corner, but I've done what I need to do to secure a shot at a world title. There's always something getting in the way, other fights being made or money and politics ruining things, but after I finish Chisora nobody can deny me my shot."
Chisora: December 22 will be WAR
"On Saturday, December 22, you will all witness exactly what 'WAR' Chisora is about," said Chisora, who has ditched his 'Del Boy' nickname after rebranding following appointing David Haye as his manager.
"I'm not messing, I'm not playing at boxing. Dillian has spent the last two years avoiding getting back in the ring with me. He knows exactly what it feels like to go toe-to-toe with me.
"For the next seven weeks he will have sleepless nights knowing what he has finally signed up to. His last couple of opponents didn't come for battle, they didn't even put heat on Dillian. On December 22, I'm coming to burn him up!
"I was cheated in our first fight by the judges, everyone knows that I was the true victor. This time I have a score to settle, Dillian won't be hearing the final bell to be saved by the judges.
"I will be stepping in the ring a different fighter. I have everything to prove and it all to lose. 'Del Boy' is no more, 'WAR' Chisora doesn't cut corners, he doesn't skip sessions, he doesn't look for the easy option. I'm in the gym every day pushing my body to its limit. I'm in complete control of my destiny, December 22 will be WAR."
Haye: Chisora has huge potential
David Haye, who recently became manager of Chisora, said: "Without question there is a different fire in the eyes of 'WAR' Chisora. For two years he has wanted to settle the score with Dillian, and finally he has the opportunity to do this.
"He has embraced everything we have thrown at him. Derek has huge untapped potential. The fact he has reached out to me, someone historically he had such animosity with for help demonstrates the lengths he is willing to go in order to realise the best version of himself.
"Dillian is going to be stepping in the ring with a completely different Derek 'WAR' Chisora. A fresh focus, a new outlook and an incredible desire to capture the world heavyweight title. This will be WAR."
Hearn: Both fighters bring top form
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said: "The first fight was one of the best heavyweight fights we have ever seen and I believe the rematch can eclipse even that.
"Both fighters enter this fight in their best form ever, with everything on the line. We are guaranteed an absolute war on December 22 at The O2 Arena and I cannot wait!"
Coming up
The live press conference is coming up, in the meantime watch this on repeat. I know I am.
AJ waits
Head of Boxing at Sky Sports, Adam Smith, suggests that the winner of this fight could take on Anthony Joshua in 2019. "Anthony Joshua is waiting for an opponent in April. I was with AJ the other day and he cannot wait for this."
Chisora
"Everybody wanted it, I wanted it more the first fight was a great fight on both parts and now it's here i'm so excited about it. If I'm going to make it to the top, I need more help, this is why I approached the Hayemaker.
"If it's there I'll find it. Who's the donkey now? I'm sitting at the podium. He's got a better opportunity to go to the top. I hold the golden key. I know I'll be facing a difficult opponent.
"There's going to be fireworks, we are going to war! Dillian, we are coming for you!"
Chisora
"I don't have bad blood, the table might end up flipping. Did you screw it down? There doesn't need to be trashing each other. There were so many words. For this fight here, I'm going to say this: it's going to be amazing, better than the first one.
"I'm going to knock this sucker out."
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