In the eyes of plenty of boxing fans, Derek Chisora caused Oleksandr Usyk as many problems as anyone has in the heavyweight division so far.
The popular Londoner faced the undisputed cruiserweight champion and former Olympic gold medalist in his second fight at heavyweight back in October 2020. Sticking to his usual ‘WAR’ mantra, ‘Del Boy’ brought front-foot pressure from the first bell, walked forwards in all 12 rounds and swung haymakers without regard for what came back.
Although he lost on points, Usyk did at times look under more pressure than he has in ensuing fights against Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. That said, there were some suspicions at the time that he was sandbagging in order to lure in the belt holders down the lines, which is exactly what he has done in the five years since.
After beating all of those three men twice, including two KO victories over Dubois, he is now the first ever two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era, with very few challenges left in the ring.
Speaking to IBA Boxing, Chisora was asked who can now beat Usyk.
“Me. I’m going work on getting the rematch.”
Chisora, who is the IBF mandatory, will be 42 before the year is out. He has currently had 49 fights and long since said he wanted to bow out on 50.
In his last three, he has found some great form with a trio of unanimous decision points wins over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin, having been stopped by Tyson Fury in December 2022 before that run started.
