Derek Chisora’s extended wait for his proposed final professional bout has seen his career prolonged into 2026, as ‘Del Boy’ searches for an opponent befitting his last hurrah. Here, we look at the three men who are hoping to be in the opposing corner for Chisora’s farewell fight.
Dillian Whyte
Despite winning in both of their two meetings to date, Dillian Whyte seemed set to be the opponent for Chisora’s last contest, with their fight pencilled in for December 13 in Manchester until a last-minute change of plans.
Still, the ‘Body Snatcher’ is a rival that has twice gotten the better of Chisora and a third fight between the London-based duo could provide the latter with the opportunity to finally come out on top and retire in style.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the collapse of their trilogy scrap, Whyte admitted that he and Chisora ‘don’t particularly like each other’ and labelled the veteran as a ‘bully’.
“It’s going to be a complete whitewash, 3-0, that’s all I’m saying,”
“We’ve got a lot of pride. We respect each other. But we don’t particularly like each other.
“He says a lot of stuff. Then when I say something, he takes it personally. Derek Chisora’s a bully… I’ve always been someone that spanked bullies my whole life.”
It remains to be seen whether a deal can be agreed, if Chisora and Whyte choose to revisit negotiations. Whyte, according to his manager, remains keen.
Zhilei Zhang
Zhilei Zhang is another that was linked to Del’s December date but the proposed affair fell through when Chisora was offered Whyte instead.
Like Chisora, ‘Big Bang’ is a contender that is well liked by boxing fans around the globe and his knockout defeat to Agit Kabayel last year has attached an unfamiliar sense of vulnerability to the Chinese boogeyman.
Back in October, Zhang released a clip onto his Instagram where he openly revealed his interest in a fight with his fellow 42-year-old.
“Hey Derek, I am waiting, what are you doing?”
After being dismissed so quickly just months ago, Zhang may be reluctant to put all his eggs in the Chisora basket again but his interest is genuine and Chisora will know that this bout can be made relatively quickly if he wishes to return to action soon.
Murat Gassiev
Last but not least is a new option in Murat Gassiev, who could provide Chisora with an idealistic opportunity to fight for a world title in his final fight, where he would hope that the third time proves lucky after falling short against both Vitali Klitschko and Tyson Fury in 2012 and 2022 respectively.
Gassiev dethroned Kubrat Pulev to get his hands on the WBA (Regular) heavyweight world title last month and it is expected that the Russian will either land a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk or be upgraded to full WBA world champion during 2026.
With Usyk expected to take on Deontay Wilder next, Gassiev will be looking for activity and Chisora would surely be interested in such a proposal, especially considering how Gassiev has looked at heavyweight since moving up from the cruiserweight ranks.
Gassiev’s manager, Al Siesta, confirmed that his fighter is extremely interested in a fight of such magnitude and explained that he would even be prepared to travel to London for the fight and fight on away soil despite being the champion.
“It is Murat’s dream to fight in London and, specifically, Wembley Stadium. He loves British boxing fans and their passion for the sport. He feeds off this energy. Our friend Derek Chisora has already demanded the fight with Murat.
“In fact, he was in the ring sooner than I was after Murat defeated Pulev. What a story that would be: Chisora fighting for the WBA heavyweight title in his 50th professional fight. We know what Derek brings to the table and we are 100 per cent ready to make this fight in London.”
Gassiev has been ordered to face Moses Itauma and defend his title, but it is unclear whether the 21-year-old wishes to challenge for the belt at this point – potentially opening the door for a surprise shot for Chisora.
