The delayed end to Derek Chisora’s career may yet prove a blessing in disguise.
The popular British heavyweight had been expected to bow out in 2025 with a 50th and final professional contest, drawing the curtain on one of the sport’s longest and most unpredictable careers. Instead, his February victory over Otto Wallin has so far proved to be his only outing of the year after a provisional December date fell through.
Both Chisora and heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma had been pencilled in for separate fights on a Queensberry show scheduled for December 13 in Manchester. That card was ultimately scrapped and Itauma will now face Jermaine Franklin Jr on January 24 at the Co-op Live Arena, while talks for a trilogy between Chisora and Dillian Whyte may be revisited.
While Chisora has been mentioned as a possible first defence for newly crowned WBO champion Fabio Wardley, another heavyweight belt-holder could yet offer the 40-year-old one last shot at world honours.
Murat Gassiev claimed the WBA ‘regular’ title with a typically ice-cold finish against Kubrat Pulev — whom Chisora beat in 2022 — in Dubai on December 24. The 32-year-old former unified cruiserweight world champion is now eyeing several UK opponents, including Chisora, according to his co-promoter Al Siesta, who confirmed the interest to Sky Sports.
“It is Murat’s dream to fight in London and, specifically, Wembley Stadium. He loves British boxing fans and their passion for the sport. He feeds off this energy. Our friend Derek Chisora has already demanded the fight with Murat.
“In fact, he was in the ring sooner than I was after Murat defeated Pulev. What a story that would be: Chisora fighting for the WBA heavyweight title in his 50th professional fight. We know what Derek brings to the table and we are 100 per cent ready to make this fight in London.”
‘Del Boy’ is currently riding a three-fight winning streak since his loss to Tyson Fury in December 2022, and is well ranked by the IBF. Gassiev, therefore, is just one of many potential opponents for his 50th bout.
