Dereck Chisora: After I beat Oleksandr Usyk I'll challenge Anthony Joshua

Despite being close friends with unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, and having been something of a hero to the Watford man when they were both amateurs at Finchley Boxing Club, veteran Dereck Chisora has confirmed he would be willing to challenge AJ should he defeat WBO No. 1 contender Oleksandr Usyk in their delayed showdown.

Asked if he should inherit Usyk’s mandatory position if he beats the undefeated Ukranian, Chisora responded, "If that’s possible but fights don’t always have to have a title behind them. I just want to fight Usyk, beat Usyk and see where I am in the rankings."

There has often been doubt cast over a potential Joshua vs Chisora clash, because of their shared history, but Chisora would be ready to take on his friend and also believes the champion would be able to put their close relationship aside temporarily.

"Money talks," he stated (full interview video below). "I think AJ will be happy to do it. Everything is up to AJ. I remember in Finchley when i used to see AJ, he was the first guy at the gym doors before they opened or sat in the dressing room, and the last guy to leave. I knew he’d go further than everyone thought he would. He’s a great athlete and what he’s done for boxing, with Eddie [Hearn] and Sky, is unbelievable for everybody. He’s put a massive injection into the game, proper money, and people have come back into boxing."

Regarding the Usyk clash, postponed from this month and possibly now heading overseas, Chisora is simply keen to get it on.

"It’s gonna be a good fight," Chisora, who is on the lookout for a new trainer, predicted. "We’ll try and be in the best shape we can and give the fans what they want to see."