Derek Chisora is closing in on retirement after an 18-year campaign in the heavyweight division.
The fan favourite fighter from Finchley has had an up and down career, regularly filling out arenas but falling short of world honours on two occasions.
Chisora has welcomed a resurgence in the division of late after many calls from big names for him to retire. After a bruising third loss to Tyson Fury in 2022, the 41-year-old has picked up wins over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin, the last of which gave him a number two ranking with the IBF.
With a fight between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba now not an eliminator for the mandatory slot after Bakole suffered a stoppage defeat to Joseph Parker, Chisora is set to be announced as the next challenger for champion Daniel Dubois.
He took to social media to confirm that that will be the big retirement fight he has been looking for.
Daniel, Don. Fight 50 I want it 💨 @258mgt 📞 https://t.co/xxcJAuw9UN
— Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) March 27, 2025
Despite Dubois’ excellent run of form, ‘Del Boy’ has assured fans he has what it takes to win.
Not can. Will 🥊 https://t.co/apq0I30Yif
— Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) March 28, 2025
Dubois was elevated to full IBF Heavyweight World Champion with a stoppage win over Filip Hrgovic. He defended that status in emphatic fashion by stopping Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium inside five rounds.
The 27-year-old’s momentum was stunted when he was forced to pull out a voluntary defence against Parker before Bakole stepped in on late notice. Dubois has since announced that he wants to honour that fight against Parker – also mandatory for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk – rather than pursue an undisputed clash with the Ukrainian.
The IBF are expected to officially order Dubois vs Chisora in the coming weeks.
