When Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) announced his intention to retire after his 50th professional fight, not many observers expected the British heavyweight veteran to potentially conclude his career with a third shot at a world championship.
This unexpected scenario might soon become reality, as Chisora`s recent three-fight winning streak seems to have positioned him for an incredible comeback and a potential chance to finally claim a world title.
Ten years after his initial challenge for Vitali Klitschko`s WBC belt, ‘Del Boy’ sought the prestigious title again but was stopped by Tyson Fury after a tough ten-round contest. Following this 2022 defeat, many urged Chisora to retire.
However, in characteristic Chisora style, the 41-year-old disregarded these calls and instead put together a notable winning run, securing three consecutive unanimous decision victories against Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce, and Otto Wallin. The fight against Wallin was specifically an eliminator for the IBF heavyweight title.
Consequently, the veteran fighter based in Finchley has climbed to the #2 spot in the IBF rankings. The IBF has now formally ordered its current champion, Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs), to make a mandatory defense against Chisora.
The directive from the IBF stated:
“IBF Heavy Champion Daniel Dubois defended his IBF title on September 21, 2024, his mandatory defense is now due on or before June 21, 2025. The leading available contender is #2 Derek Chisora. He is also represented by you. Negotiations should commence immediately and be concluded by May 22, 2025. If you are unable to come to an agreement for this bout within the 30 days, the IBF will call for a purse bid.”
However, despite this official order, Dubois might receive an exception, allowing him to postpone the fight with Chisora. This could happen if he is permitted to pursue the highly anticipated four-belt unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk, rumoured for July 12 at Wembley Stadium.
Regardless, the IBF`s order places Chisora in a strong position to potentially challenge either the winner of a potential Usyk-Dubois rematch or to compete for a vacant title if the champion relinquishes the IBF belt after that fight.
In related news, the IBF also announced that a final eliminator bout has been ordered between Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) and Filip Hrgovic (18-1, 14 KOs). This fight is expected to produce the new #1 contender in the IBF heavyweight division.
The IBF`s statement regarding this eliminator fight read:
“The eliminator [between Sanchez and Hrgovic] was ordered, and they have until 4/29 to negotiate. Both have agreed to participate in negotiations.”
Consequently, if the IBF title becomes vacant after the potential Usyk-Dubois clash, Chisora would likely get the opportunity to face the winner of the Sanchez-Hrgovic eliminator for the undisputed IBF heavyweight championship, offering a dramatic potential conclusion to his career.
