Derek Chisora’s Bold Move: An Open Challenge to Oleksandr Usyk
Derek Chisora, the British heavyweight boxer with a career record of 36 wins and 13 losses, took to social media to send a direct message to the current WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk. Chisora’s tweet, accompanied by a boxing glove emoji, was a clear indication of his desire to rematch with Usyk, this time under the bright lights of London, United Kingdom. Chisora, a seasoned fighter known for his resilience and aggressive style, believes he was unfairly outclassed in their previous encounter on October 31, 2020, at Wembley Arena. The fight, which Usyk won by a close 12-round unanimous decision (115-113, 115-113, and 117-112), left a bitter taste in Chisora’s mouth, fueling his determination to prove that the result should have been different.
A Rekindled Rivalry or a Forlorn Hope?
Chisora has been vocal about his desire to fight the big names in the heavyweight division. Among his preferred opponents are Usyk, former champion Anthony Joshua, and rising star Daniel Dubois. However, despite his ambitious plans, Chisora has shown little interest in fighting Martin Bakole, who was suggested as a potential opponent. Derek is already a wealthy man, with an estimated net worth of $15 million, which raises questions about his true motivations for seeking these high-profile fights. While it’s evident that Chisora craves the attention and recognition that comes with facing top-tier boxers, the reality is that these matches are highly unlikely to materialize. Even if Usyk or Joshua were to give Chisora the payday he desires, it would likely be a brief moment of satisfaction before he plunges back into the pursuit of more fights against opponents far above his current skill level.
The Reality of Derek Chisora’s Recent Performance
Chisora’s recent victory over Otto Wallin on February 11, 2025, was more notable for the physical toll it took on him rather than the skill he displayed. Despite winning the decision, Chisora’s face was badly swollen post-fight, with many attributing the damage to a clash of heads. However, this explanation was far from the truth; the real cause was the relentless onslaught of Wallin’s punches. At 41 years old, Chisora was a walking punching bag, absorbing headshots with a stoicism that bordered on masochism. Wallin, while not a heavyweight titan, was selected as an opponent who Chisora could realistically defeat. The British media, often generous with praise, lauded this win as heroic, glossing over the fact that it was a carefully chosen bout rather than a genuine test of Chisora’s abilities.
The Big Three: Unlikely Suitors for Chisora
Chisora’s fixation on Usyk, Joshua, and Dubois is a testament to his competitive spirit, but also a reflection of his declining prospects in the sport. Usyk, currently at the peak of his career, has no incentive to rematch with Chisora, especially given the earlier close decision. Joshua, who has his own path to regain his former glory, is also unlikely to oblige. As for Dubois, Chisora’s best chance lies in his status as the IBF mandatory challenger. However, even this route is fraught with obstacles. Chisora may have to win another couple of fights before he secures a mandatory bout, and by then, he will be 44 or 45 years old—a significant disadvantage in a division dominated by younger, more formidable opponents. The likelihood of Chisora facing any of these fighters is slim, and his ongoing pursuit seems to be more about maintaining relevance than a realistic chance of success.
Chisora’s Career: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Defeats
While Chisora has had his share of memorable moments in the ring, his career is a mix of significant wins and notable defeats. Among his best victories are those against Kubrat Pulev, Joe Joyce, David Price, Artur Szpilka, Carlos Takam, Malik Scott, and Danny Williams. Each of these fighters, at the time of their bouts, was in the twilight of their own careers or not at the top of their game. Chisora’s wins, while respectable, have not been against the crème de la crème of the heavyweight division. His losses, on the other hand, have often been to the best in the business, including Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua. These defeats have not deterred Chisora; instead, they have only fueled his desire to prove himself against the best.
The Future: Uncertain but Determined
Despite the challenges and the unlikelihood of securing a rematch with Usyk or a bout with Joshua, Chisora remains undeterred. His resilience and determination are hallmarks of his career, and he continues to push for these high-profile matches, even if it means taking significant risks. Chisora’s next steps are uncertain, but one thing is clear: he will keep fighting, whether against second-tier opponents or in the hopes of landing a big payday. His career, while not without its setbacks, has been characterized by an unwavering spirit and a refusal to back down from any challenge. For Chisora, boxing is not just a sport; it’s a way of life, and he will keep calling out the best until he hangs up his gloves.
