In less than two months’ time, Derek Chisora will step through the ropes for the 50th and final occasion, tasked with former WBC ruler Deontay Wilder, and David Price has made his for the bout.
Chisora has boxed professionally for almost two decades, claiming British and European honours and twice challenging for the heavyweight world title, but coming up short against both Vitali Klitschko and Tyson Fury.
That 2022 defeat to Fury could have marked the end of Chisora’s career, certainly at the top level, as some in the sport encouraged ‘Del Boy’ to hang up the gloves. The veteran instead fought on and has impressively strung together three straight victories ahead of what he promises will be the last outing of his long career against Wilder.
In an interview with Seconds Out, David Price, who was halted by Chisora in 2019, said that Chisora will retire with a win, explaining why Wilder’s knockout artistry seems to have faded in recent bouts.
“I don’t think so [that Wilder throws the right hand with the same ferocity as he used to], the fear factor is there now, that he can be hurt himself.
“That will take a small percentage out of his commitment to the punch, in my opinion. Whereas, in the past, he was wild and loose, it might have taken a little bit away from that.
“He will always have the power but it is how you convict it, it goes a little bit [with] what is on your mind and [when] you worry what is coming back. That could be a thing, but maybe I am wrong. I do think that he is on the wrong side of his career and that he is diminishing quicker than Derek.
“I think that Derek will win the fight.”
Wilder-Chisora will take place on Saturday, April 4, at the O2 Arena in London, with Viddal Riley rumoured to fight in the co-main event of the bill, expected to challenge Mateusz Masternak for the EBU European cruiserweight title.
