What’s Next For Derek Chisora?

Derek Chisora beat Otto Wallin by a unanimous decision as we take a look at his next steps. 

Chisora won in his final UK fight, taking his record to 36-13-0. That was his 49th fight, with Chisora previously saying that he would retire after his 50th bout. But the performance, which resulted in Wallin hitting the canvas twice, saw Chisora produce one of his most determined performances. That has created the narrative that Chisora should retire now. But that is unlikely to happen based on his post-fight comments. Chisora called out Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua for his final bout. 

“Otto Wallin was a good fighter, I thought he was going to gas out but he proved me wrong. When I arrived I was crying like a baby because I love the sport so much. It was an emotional day. It was a firefight, it was very hard. When I got the cut something happened, I wanted to carry on and both my ears popped. I think I’ll have a great legacy and be in the Hall Of Fame when I’m dead, not now,” Chisora said 

“When I arrived, I said to myself I won’t cry but I started crying like a baby [before the fight]. I was in tears because I love the sport and love the fans. I love everything about it, the ups and downs. It was a very emotional day for me today. It was very hard. When I got the cut, then something happened in the third round which I didn’t tell my trainers, my ears popped, and I said I’m going to carry on,” Chisora added 

What’s Next?

Chisora has boxed Usyk before. He took the Ukrainian to the final bell, losing a unanimous decision. Usyk is on record saying that Chisora is the hardest-hitting puncher he has faced. Chisora’s performance was also seen as a blueprint that fighters could adopt to try and defeat him. The two have become very good friends since their fight. If Usyk plans on retiring in his next fight, it could be a farewell bout to face off against Chisora, which would see them both walk away. 

The other alternative is to face Dubois. Chisora’s fight with Wallin was an IBF Title eliminator. That makes him mandatory for Dubois’ IBF title, which he will defend against Joseph Parker on February 22. But a win for Dubois puts him in a position to fight for undisputed by facing Usyk. That could derail Chisora’s plans. 

Equally, a Joshua fight is possible. Chisora is a close friend of Joshua. Joshua is looking to bounce back from his Dubois loss. He was dropped several times before getting stopped in round give. Meanwhile, it will be Chisora’s final bout. It has the ability to sell out in the UK and Saudi. Chisora also has a good relationship with Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, making it easier to make that fight. That leaves Chisora with plenty of things to ponder moving forward.