DEREK Chisora insists that Daniel Dubois’ flourishing relationship with Don Charles, his former trainer, only adds an extra layer of intrigue to their potential showdown.
The 41-year-old has been installed as the mandatory challenger for Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title, with the sanctioning body promising to order their clash on April 22.
At the same time, though, Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), could instead enter a stadium fight against heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk this summer.
Their first encounter back in 2023 saw Usyk emerge with a ninth-round stoppage victory, comprehensively defending his titles before becoming a two-division undisputed champion against Tyson Fury.
But now, Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren seemingly remains determined to deliver their rematch, presenting the Ukrainian with an opportunity to further cement his greatness.
With Usyk having been ordered to face mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, however, Warren would need approval from the WBO for Dubois to enter the possible undisputed dustup.
Seeking an alternative option, the British promoter has highlighted Chisora, 36-13 (23 KOs), as an opponent who could accelerate ticket sales for Dubois’ slated stadium fight.
The heavyweight veteran comes off a unanimous decision victory over Otto Wallin, which followed a less dominant but nonetheless conclusive performance against Joe Joyce.
Meanwhile, his old coach, Don Charles, has enjoyed a tremendous run of form with Dubois, who now boasts stoppage victories over Anthony Joshua, Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller.
Should the pair collide this summer, Chisora believes that the narrative surrounding Charles would, if nothing else, make for a compelling storyline.
“I want to fight Daniel,” Chisora told Sky Sports. “It’s a good story, because behind the whole thing is he’s trained by my old trainer.
“We’ll see what happens, but I want that shot since the IBF made me mandatory for it. I want it, there’s no two ways about it. I want it badly.
“Whatever happens, this will be the last one.”
