Tuesday 20 December 2016 07:07, UK
Dereck Chisora’s trainer Don Charles has explained how the pair restarted their working relationship – and how their reconciliation can result in improved performances from the heavyweight.
Chisora emerged with great credit despite a split decision loss to Dillian Whyte earlier this month, having returned under the wing of long-time trainer Charles after time apart.
"There was a period when we lost our big fights," Charles exclusively told Sky Sports. "He became British, Commonwealth and European champion but we lost to Vitali Klitschko, David Haye and Tyson Fury twice.
"After the second loss to Fury, I had to question myself. Was I good enough to help Dereck fulfil his dream as a world champion?
There's a story in the Bible called the Prodigal Son. I was all Dereck knew when he turned pro. He started my career, and I will always owe him.
"I had to look at myself as a coach. Am I good enough? I believe I am, but you only get judged by results. I gave Dereck the opportunity to look elsewhere. If he didn't have the heart to say 'coach, I want to look elsewhere', I did it for him.
"So he went. Obviously he came back and asked me to train him, because he couldn't find anyone who could do for him what I could.
"There's a story in the Bible called the Prodigal Son. I was all Dereck knew when he turned pro. He started my career, and I will always owe him."
Charles insisted the recent defeat to Whyte should have been scored as a draw because "there were no losers", and claimed Chisora can repeat such a spirited effort.
"Most definitely," he said. "It's all down to sacrifices - lifestyle, commitment. He has promised that he will dedicate himself for the remainder of his career. Chisora has got at least 24-36 months left in his career."
Last week, Whyte exclusively told Sky Sports that a rematch against Chisora would only happen on his terms.
