BoxRec

Derek Chisora will clash with former World title challenger Artur Szpilka on a huge night of Heavyweight action at The O2 in London on July 20 that also sees Dillian Whyte take on the undefeated Oscar Rivas for the number one spot in the WBC and Dave Allen collide with David Price in a must-win domestic showdown, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Chisora (30-9, 21 KOs) cruised to a comfortable points win over Senad Gashi at The O2 in April in his first fight with new trainer Dave Coldwell on his big return after he came sensationally close to beating 'The Body Snatcher' in their brutal December rematch.

The Finchley man still has a point to prove in the Heavyweight division and has already targeted fights with former WBO ruler and recent Matchroom Boxing USA signing Joseph Parker and undisputed Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk should he come through his Szpilka test next month.

Aside from Wilder, Szpilka’s only other career defeats have come to World level opposition in former World title challenger Bryant Jennings in 2014 and unbeaten contender Adam Kownacki in 2017, and the power puncher from Wieliczka is predicting fireworks against ‘WAR’ Chisora.

“I chose this fight because we are both crazy men and it’s going to be a crazy fight!” said Szpilka. “Chisora is a good fighter, he is bull strong and he can box well. He turns up to every fight in great condition, so I know it is going to be a tough night for me. We are both warriors who like to fight, this will be violent.

“I’m relishing the opportunity to fight in front of all my UK fans for the first time in career. I know that there is a proud Polish community in London and I’m sure they will turn out in their numbers to get behind me on July 20 my country’s first Heavyweight World Champion.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: "This is a great fight on a huge night of Heavyweight boxing. Both are unpredictable characters but both must win this fight and I believe we will see an England vs. Poland war at The O2 on July 20. Add this fight to the important Whyte vs. Rivas shootout and the big domestic clash between Allen and Price and you’ve got a big night of big men looking to take people out!"

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing said: "It’s terrific to have one of most charismatic Heavyweights Derek Chisora back at The O2 in an unpredictable and exciting fight against the wild Artur Szpilka.

"We were ringside when Szpilka gave Deontay Wilder a real test in Brooklyn and we now welcome him to London. Dillian Whyte topped a cracking event last July – so bring on another Summer Heavyweight Sizzler – live on Sky Sports Box Office a year on."

Chisora vs. Szpilka is part of a huge night of boxing in the Capital, main event sees Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18 KOs) take on undefeated Columbian Oscar Rivas (26-0, 18 KOs) for the number one spot in the WBC, Dave Allen (17-4-2, 14 KOs) and David Price (24-6, 19 KOs) clash in a must-win domestic showdown, heavy-hitting Londoner Richard Riakporhe (9-0, 8 KOs) puts his WBA Inter-Continental Cruiserweight title on the line against unbeaten Bournemouth man Chris Billam-Smith (9-0, 8 KOs) and Canning Town’s Charlie Duffield (7-1, 6 KOs) clashes with Lewisham’s Dan Azeez (8-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant Southern Area Light-Heavyweight title.

The winner should be fed to a rising prospect.

This could be like the Takam fight.

But I think Chis will do enough for a UD. He has to stay motivated or he’ll be double digits in the L column.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑13 Jun 2019, 11:24 This could be like the Takam fight.

But I think Chis will do enough for a UD. He has to stay motivated or he’ll be double digits in the L column.

It should be far, far easier. Szpilka has never ever been much cop even on his best day and has no chin. He’s just a guy who fought Deontay Wilder once at this point and should be cannon fodder.

Good match, imo. Chisora should handle it but it is no foregone conclusion, given his ups and downs.

Good card.

An even matchup. Gotta be competetive and interesting. Szpilka boxes better, but Chisora's pressure can be enough for getting to Szpilka's weak chin.

well I hope chisora does more than last time out !
he was ponderous and lumbering , ok the opponent wouldnt fight but even so .

He should stop spilka with ease .... but then ??

Spzilka will come to fight, he's game as they come.

I fancy Szpilka Points.
If Del struggles to get out of first gear then Szpilka will get rounds in the bank.
Doesn’t take much to outwork Del these days.

Fight week with those two could be a bit lively I reckon

Gnome wrote: ↑13 Jun 2019, 11:55Good card.

Yeah it could be worse.
I hope they have a fair few floater fights tucked away. You have to when there are heavies on the bill.

Decent fight, Szpilka is a tidy boxer but won't have the pop to keep Chisora at bay who should be able to impose himself on him.

Shaping into a decent looking card.

KiwiRider wrote: ↑13 Jun 2019, 16:05 Yeah it could be worse.
I hope they have a fair few floater fights tucked away. You have to when there are heavies on the bill.

Fingers crossed they can squeeze a Paul Smith 6 rounder in.

Gnome wrote: ↑13 Jun 2019, 11:55Good card.

I think Fwank’s heavyweight bonanza at the same venue earlier in the month is superior

I watch this card .... good fights
but always after midnight ... 03.00 thats heavy

morm wrote: ↑14 Jun 2019, 07:56 I watch this card .... good fights
but always after midnight ... 03.00 thats heavy

It's gonna be a decent night of boxing.

This card first, then off to ITV4 for Pac vs. Thurman.. Hopefully ITV don't try floggin it on PPV.

Good fight this, looking forward to the press conference.

This is a fun looking card.

Szpilka actually is pretty athletic and moves well, and is pretty quick and can box pretty well.

However as others have mentioned- his punch resistance is just garbage and ruins it for him.

He's like a heavyweight Ismael Sillahk, although Sillakh was more talented.

“I chose this fight because we are both crazy men and it’s going to be a crazy fight!” said Szpilka. “Chisora is a good fighter, he is bull strong and he can box well.

“He turns up to every fight in great condition, so I know it is going to be a tough night for me. We are both warriors who like to fight, this will be violent.

“I’m relishing the opportunity to fight in front of all my UK fans for the first time in career. I know that there is a proud Polish community in London.

“I’m sure they will turn out in their numbers to get behind me on July 20. I hope to be my country’s first Heavyweight World Champion.”

Easy KO win for Chisora.

Szpilka was never any good and now hes not even that good any more

He does not have the pop to discourage Chisora and does not have the chin to hang in there against him.

This will be the Malik Scott fight all over again.

Dave Allen Vs the winner anyone?

Sensible matchmaking. Chisora should win this one.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑26 Jun 2019, 15:39 Sensible matchmaking. Chisora should win this one.

Possibly.
I'm a fan of Del Boy, and even so, geese he blows hot and cold.
Ya just never know with him and never bet on him either