Derek Chisora could be about to benefit with a sudden shot at world honours for his final professional outing.
‘Del Boy’ was poised to take on Dillian Whyte in a trilogy clash in Manchester this month in a landmark 50th pro contest, until the scrap fell through at the final hurdle and the event was cancelled as a result.
Yet, the failure of that fight could work in Chisora’s favour, as 2026 may well present him with a dramatic third challenge for the heavyweight world title, where he could hang up the gloves with a fairytale ending to his arduous career in the ring.
The now 41-year-old was comprehensively defeated by both Vitali Klitschko and Tyson Fury in his 2012 and 2022 world title bids, but a recent three-fight win streak means he will fancy his chances against newly crowned WBO heavyweight world champion, Fabio Wardley.
Speaking to iFL TV, promoter Frank Warren discussed Wardley’s possible opponents for his first title defence and revealed his interest in a scrap between Chisora and his new champion.
“He [Fabio Wardley] has got a lot of options because there are plenty of fighters who want to fight for a world title. There is an opportunity there, so we are looking to see what we can put together.
“In the meantime, Oleksandr [Usyk] is going to have to defend his other belts because the mandatories for them are there, as well. So, he has got some defending to do. I can’t remember what the next one is, but that will be called for pretty soon.
“Yeah, [Wardley vs. Chisora,] I would do that.
“Derek will be out soon, and he is in a mandatory position himself [IBF], so he has got to be active, or he will lose that spot.”
There appears to be other options for Chisora too. Confusion still surrounds the IBF mandatory position, with Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez reportedly poised to meet to determine a mandatory challenger, despite ‘Del Boy’ apparently holding that position.
Although, it is possible that Usyk may soon vacate his IBF heavyweight world title, meaning Chisora could face the victor of Sanchez-Torrez for a potentially vacant IBF belt next year or alternatively take on Wardley for the WBO crown in his career finale.
