THE 50th and final fight of Derek Chisora’s career could be for a world title. On Thursday the IBF announced that the veteran heavyweight is now their mandatory challenger for the heavyweight crown. The belt is currently held by Chisora’s fellow Londoner and Queensberry stablemate, Daniel Dubois. ‘Dynamite’ Dubois was set to defend his title against Joseph Parker on February 22 but withdrew due to illness, leaving the New Zealander’s hopes of reclaiming a world title in tatters.
Chisora, 41, earned his shot at the top spot with a points victory over Otto Wallin on February 8 – a bout that doubled as an IBF eliminator. That win catapulted him up the rankings, setting the stage for a potential all-British showdown. The IBF told Sky Sports: “Derek Chisora is the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois but the mandatory bout is due to be ordered on April 22. There is not enough time for an eliminator since Dubois’ mandatory is due on June 21.”
However, Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) might face a delay if he pursues the title shot. Dubois and his promoter, Frank Warren, are pushing for a rematch with triple-title holder Oleksandr Usyk, nearly 18 months after the Ukrainian stopped Dubois in the ninth round in Poland in August 2023. World title unification fights take precedence over mandatory defences, so Dubois might still face Oleksandr Usyk for an undisputed championship before being required to meet Chisora.
Chisora is no stranger to world title challenges, though success has eluded him. In February 2012, Vitali Klitschko retained the WBC belt against him on points. A decade later, in December 2022, Tyson Fury stopped Chisora in the 10th round of their trilogy bout, also for the WBC title. Now, with one fight left in his storied career, Chisora has a chance to end on the highest note possible.
