Derek Chisora faces Otto Wallin in his 49th fight, billed as his ‘Last Dance’ in the UK before bowing out on 50 on foreign soil.
The heavyweight veteran has spent fight week reminiscing on a professional campaign spanning almost two decades, two world title challenges and plenty of entertaining wars.
Looking to spoil the party is Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin, who recently scored a first round knockout win over Onoriode Ehwarieme to bounce back from his second career loss to Anthony Joshua in late 2023.
Speaking to Boxing Now, Eddie Hearn – who has promoted large chunks of Chisora’s career – said he wants the Brit to upset the odds but admitted that Wallin presents a ‘very tough’ night at the office.
“He’s got a very tough fight on Saturday. Probably the worst style you could pick for Derek Chisora. A little bit of a slick southpaw-boxer. Listen, Derek always finds a way to somehow grind it out. We’re all behind him. Let’s see what happens Saturday night, hopefully he can get the job done.”
The fight has added jeopardy in the form of an IBF final eliminator tag, meaning the winner will be ranked number two with the sanctioning body. That won’t necessarily mean a mandatory shot at champion Daniel Dubois, however, because another eliminator for the currently vacant number one spot will be fought in May between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba.
At the pre-fight press conference, the idea of a world title shot was brushed off by ‘Del Boy,’ who made it clear that money is his motivation. That and a good, entertaining fight.
