Derek Chisora appears to be waiting for the perfect match-up to mark his 50th professional fight in the sport. That may have just come along.
The British heavyweight veteran convinced fans to invest in him once again by putting together three wins in his last three outings. The unanimous decision victories came against Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin, each more impressive than the last for the 42-year-old.
Though many don’t believe he will retire after his 50th fight, the next ring walk will be an emotional one whatever no matter what happens after. For an occasion like that, Chisora wants the perfect dance partner, and Fabio Wardley — world title belt and all — makes perfect sense.
At least the champion thinks as much, with Wardley telling Sky Sports he would be all in.
“I think massively [it would be an attractive fight for British boxing fans]. For me as well, with my fights, I look at them from the perspective not just as a boxer but also as a fan. I look at them like: if I was sitting on the sofa and that popped up, would it interest me?
“I think you’d be hard-pressed to find somebody in boxing that’s going to see my name, Chisora and a fight, who thinks our styles aren’t going to go well together or create an entertaining fight.”
Though he recognises that the fight would be entertaining, Wardley — also recently called out by Tyson Fury — left no doubt about how he feels it would play out.
“It would be a nice way to send him packing [into retirement] for his 50th fight. Credit to him for all he’s done in the sport, and for all the years I’ve watched him he’s been entertaining and a pleasure.
“It would almost be like I’m doing a service. Give him his 50th, throw in a world title, send him packing with a big show and a big fight, but it’s only going to end one way.”
Many heavyweight fights are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months, both Wardley and Chisora included. Whether or not fans see their names on a poster together remains to be decided.
