Klitschko: Age no barrier vs Chisora

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Klitschko: Age no barrier vs Chisora

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At 40, Klitschko is the second-oldest boxer to hold a world heavyweight title.

10 January,2012 04:26 am

Dismissing concerns about his age, veteran heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko vowed Monday to use all his experience to snuff out the challenge of Britains Dereck Chisora in their WBC title fight next month and maintain his familys domination of the division.At 40, Klitschko is the second-oldest boxer to hold a world heavyweight title behind American George Foreman, who was 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer to reclaim the WBA belt in Las Vegas in 1994.A big underdog, the 27-year-old Chisora will look to use his agility and quick hands to get inside the Ukrainians massive reach in a bid to produce one of the biggest heavyweight shocks of recent times in Munich on Feb. 18.However, Klitschko has encountered few problems defending his title seven times since winning it back in 2008 and has the experience of 15 world title fights to fall back on.Im going to have to prove not just my boxing skills but my age against Dereck, Klitschko said at a news conference in London. I am 40 but I feel 25. I am in great condition, great form and have great experience.The main thing in life is experience, in all jobs and also in boxing. I have defended my title against many styles. I dont want to break the record of George Foreman but 40 isnt old Ill show that.Vitali a winner of 43 of his 45 fights and brother Wladimir have held all the heavyweight belts between them since the younger sibling defeated David Haye on points in July last year to add the Britons WBA belt to his IBF and WBO straps.Chisora, who has won 15 of his 17 fights, said the division had become stale and a turn-off to fans during the Klitschkos era of dominance.Chisora was scheduled to fight Wladimir last year but the Ukrainian pulled out on two occasions because of injury.