Chisora to come back with a bang against Ondrej Pala

Dereck Chisora (15-4, 9 KO) takes on Ondrej Pala (30-3, 21 KO) in his first fight since having his license reinstated by the British Boxing Board of Control, in a fight the Londoner will hope becomes a turning point in a still relatively nascent career. He is the 1/8 favourite, while his Czech adversary is 5/1 to secure a shock win at Wembley Arena.

While Chisora has lost four of his last five, his record is perhaps misleading, and his undoubted talent has often been overshadowed by a pantomime villain persona.

Three of those defeats have come against far bigger men, who were able to rely on superior frames to secure decision victories. Del Boy garnered much praise in an impressive in a points defeat to Vitali Klitschko, was visibly out of shape in a defeat to Tyson Fury and suffered a split decision defeat in a fight many thought he won against Robert Helenius.

Only David Haye has truly outclassed the Londoner, and with a range of big fights under his belt he represents a huge step up in class for Pala, who at 6”3 does not possess a significant size advantage over the Brit.

As ever with Del Boy, much will depend on his frame of mind and physical condition. At 29, a defeat for Chisora would be disastrous for his prospects of earning another shot at a world title – it’s hard to see him throwing his career away on Pala.

The Czech is fairly sluggish on his feet, and lacks pace and accuracy. In addition, he’s twice been stopped – both times by fighters at 6”1, including his most recent bout of any significance, which saw him stopped in the ninth when defending the WBO European Heavyweight title in March 2012. A knockout for Chisora can be backed at 1/2.

Pala’s lack of movement and Chisora’s front foot inclinations point to a brutal encounter that could consequently struggle to go the distance. Punters can get 9/5 on the 10 rounds seeing completion, and 4/11 for an early finish.

Should Del Boy not prove capable of stopping the Czech, a win on the cards can be backed at 5/2, with odds of 14/1 for Pala to do likewise.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing