Derek Chisora is set to return to the ring for what is expected to be his final professional fight on December 13 in Manchester, as we look at his options.
Chisora, 41, will enter the ring with a win over Otto Wallin in February. In his post-fight comments, Chisora asked the crowd over his next opponent. He held up pictures of Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois. All those three fights will be tough to make. Usyk is on course to face the winner of Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley, while Joshua has been out of action since his loss to Dubois, as he comes back from elbow surgery. Dubois, who was knocked out by Usyk, is expected to take some time off. Here is who Chisora could face.
A third fight with Dillian Whyte would be the most compelling option. The two British heavyweights have a long history, having fought twice before. Their first bout in 2016 was a back-and-forth war, and their second in 2018 ended with a knockout for Whyte. Chisora was competitive in both fights, despite his losses. A third, rubber match would be a massive draw for British boxing. Whyte also has a lot to prove following his loss to Moses Itauma in his last bout.
A fight with Adam Kownacki would be a perfect matchup for Chisora’s final bout. Kownacki, a popular and aggressive heavyweight, is known for his all-action, forward-moving style, which would be a guaranteed brawl. Both fighters have a high-volume approach and are known for their durability and willingness to stand and trade punches. Kownacki has a 20-4-0, with 15 KOs to his name. However, with no wins in his last five fights, the fight may be tough to sell.
A fight with veteran Kubrat Pulev would be a fitting and high-profile final bout for Chisora. Pulev is a well-known heavyweight who has fought Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. His style is built on a powerful jab and a technical, disciplined approach, which would provide a difficult, but respectable challenge for Chisora. Pulev has won three on the bounce, beating Mahmoud Charr in his last fight, as Chisora has plenty to think about.
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