WHEN Derek Chisora, 36-13 (23 KOs), revealed that he would be retiring after his 50th professional contest, few fight fans could’ve imagined that the British heavyweight veteran would bring his career to a close with a third world title challenge.
However, that dream could soon prove to be reality, as Chisora’s three-fight win streak appears to have earned him the opportunity to complete one of boxing’s greatest comebacks and finally achieve his goal of becoming a world champion.
A decade on from his unsuccessful attempt at Vitali Klitschko’s WBC crown, ‘Del Boy’ challenged for the coveted green and gold marble for a second time, but was stopped by Tyson Fury after 10 gruelling, hard-to-watch rounds. That defeat led to calls for Chisora to hang up the gloves in 2022.
Yet, in typical Chisora fashion, the 41-year-old has ignored the concerns of the masses and has instead strung together an impressive run of victories, claiming a trifecta of unanimous decisions over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin, with the latter being an eliminator for the IBF heavyweight title.
As a result, the Finchley-based big man has risen as high as #2 in the IBF rankings. The sanctioning body has now ordered reigning champion Daniel Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), for a mandatory defence against Chisora, as per a letter sent from the IBF to Queensberry Promotions and shared by esteemed journalist Dan Rafael.
“IBF Heavy Champion Daniel Dubois defended his IBF title on September 21, 2024, his mandatory defense is now due on or before June 21, 2025.
“The leading available contender is #2 Derek Chisora. He is also represented by you.
“Negotiations should commence immediately and be concluded by May 22, 2025. If you are unable to come to an agreement for this bout within the 30 days, the IBF will call for a purse bid.”
Although, despite the contest being ordered, Dubois may be granted an exception and be permitted to delay this contest in favour of the much-rumoured four-belt unification clash with Oleksandr Usyk, which is being touted for July 12 at Wembley Stadium.
Nevertheless, this order will leave Chisora well poised for a shot at either the victor of Usyk-Dubois II or at a possibly vacant belt if the winner decides to vacate the IBF strap during the aftermath.
Additionally, the IBF also informed Boxing News that a final eliminator between Frank Sanchez, 25-1 (18 KOs), and Filip Hrgovic, 18-1 (14 KOs), has been ordered, which will presumably determine a new #1 challenger in the IBF heavyweight ratings.
“The eliminator [between Sanchez and Hrgovic] was ordered, and they have until 4/29 to negotiate. Both have agreed to participate in negotiations.”
Therefore, should the belt become vacant following Usyk-Dubois II, Chisora will likely be presented with the chance to face the winner of Sanchez-Hrgovic for the full IBF heavyweight title and the chance to cap off his career in style.
Live on DAZN, April 26 Eubank Jr vs. Benn. Over 30 years of rivalry and hatred all comes down to this! A bloodline born to settle the score, hatred in their blood. Eubank Jr vs. Benn, live on DAZN April 26.
