The Harsh Reality
Derek Chisora, the 41-year-old boxer, has been making bold calls for high-profile matches in the heavyweight division following his win over Otto Wallin last Saturday night in Manchester, England. However, the harsh reality is that these calls are delusional. Chisora’s face was badly swollen and bruised, a testament to the beating he took during the fight. Despite his team’s attempts to attribute the damage to head clashes, the truth is that Wallin had been thoroughly beaten. Chisora, exhausted by the eighth round, became little more than a punching bag for the remainder of the bout. His promoter might be able to arrange a domestic-level heavyweight fight for his 50th and final bout, but securing a match against the likes of Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk is a pipe dream.
Why Usyk Won’t Bother
Tony Bellew, a former world champion, has weighed in on the matter, highlighting the impracticality of Usyk giving Chisora a send-off fight. "I don’t think there’s anything for Oleksandr Usyk to gain in that fight," Bellew told talkSport Boxing. "Now, believe you me, he is the boss of the [heavyweight] division. So, nothing really being at stake for him and nothing that he wants, I don’t see him going over old ground. He’s not someone who rarely does. A rematch he wins so easily unless it’s financially hugely beneficial. I just don’t see it." Usyk, as the unified heavyweight champion, has no reason to indulge a journeyman like Chisora. Doing so would only open the floodgates to other lesser-known fighters clamoring for a shot.
The Financial Incentive
Chisora’s desire for a big payday is understandable, but the financial landscape of boxing doesn’t favor such a matchup. Usyk has more lucrative options and no fan base outside the UK would be interested in a fight with Chisora. The market for such a bout is too niche to justify the financial risk. Even if Usyk were to consider it, the potential for a quick and unimpressive victory would not be worth the attention it would bring. Bellew’s sentiment is clear: "For Derek, he deserves that one big ride into the sunset. 50-0 and out. I’d like to see him. There are so many. He’s even called his friend. He said he wants to fight me, the lunatic." However, the practicality of such a match remains questionable.
Scrap Heap Options
Realistically, Chisora should look at domestic-level heavyweights for his final fight. Frank Warren, his promoter, could match him against fighters like Moses Itauma, Frazer Clarke, Fabio Wardley, David Adeleye, Lawrence Okole, David Allen, Johnny Fisher, or Nick Webb. These are opponents who are more in line with Chisora’s current form and would provide a more fitting and entertaining final bout. While Chisora might be able to beat one or two of these fighters, it’s important to remember that a fight against Itauma, Okole, Wardley, or Clarke could end badly. However, it would still be a more suitable and respectful end to his career than a mismatch against a world champion.
The Title Dream
Chisora’s dream of fighting for a title in his final bout is just that—a dream. The idea of Chisora facing IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is not only unrealistic but would be a disservice to the sport. Chisora’s recent performance against Otto Wallin, a woefully inadequate opponent, does not merit a title shot. Fans would be furious if they paid to watch Dubois dismantle Chisora in a single round. Such a match would be a farce and would tarnish the reputation of both the fighters and the sport.
A Fitting Farewell
In the end, Derek Chisora deserves a fitting farewell, but it should be one that respects both his legacy and the sport. A domestic-level heavyweight fighter would provide the right level of competition and entertainment for his final fight. Chisora has had a long and storied career, and a respectful and engaging final bout would be a more fitting way to say goodbye to the ring. Usyk and Joshua have their own careers to focus on, and Chisora should accept that his time at the top is over. A realistic and respectful end to his journey would be the best way to honor the years he has dedicated to boxing.
