Derek Chisora has revealed that he could return to the ring for a rematch against Deontay Wilder after receiving support from his family to continue fighting....
Derek Chisora has revealed that he could return to the ring for a rematch against Deontay Wilder after receiving support from his family to continue fighting.
The Zimbabwe-born British heavyweight said discussions are underway for a second bout with Wilder later this year, despite previously indicating that his last fight would mark the end of his professional boxing career.
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Speaking to Sky Sports News, Chisora said his wife had approved his decision to pursue the rematch.
“I’m working on the rematch. The wife has given me the green light, so I will be doing the rematch,” Chisora said.
The heavyweight boxer added that negotiations were still ongoing and that meetings scheduled this week would help determine whether the fight proceeds.
“I haven’t confirmed it yet. I have a couple of meetings tomorrow (on Wednesday) and we will see how that goes,” he said.
Chisora and Wilder faced each other last month in a closely contested bout that Wilder won by split decision. The fight was widely praised for its intensity and competitiveness, with both fighters reportedly interested in settling unfinished business in the ring.
“He is keen because he’s upset with the result as well. Yes, he might have won but he’s upset, so we are going to run it back,” Chisora said.
The 42-year-old fighter also suggested that a potential rematch with Wilder could be the final fight of his career.
“That’s it. (At the) end of this year I will retire,” he added.
Chisora remains one of the most recognisable heavyweight fighters of his generation, known for his aggressive fighting style and long career in international boxing. Over the years, he has faced several top heavyweights, including Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Dillian Whyte.
Meanwhile, the heavyweight division continues to attract attention following Daniel Dubois’ recent victory over Fabio Wardley in an intense 11-round contest.
Dubois recovered from two early knockdowns to secure victory and become a two-time world champion, while the fight also sparked debate among boxing fans and analysts over the punishment Wardley absorbed during the contest.
Commenting on the fight, Chisora praised Dubois’ determination and approach in the ring.
“Wardley let himself down but Daniel came in with the way of like ‘I’m here to destroy’. He walked into the ring sweating, ready to rock and roll,” he said.
“I believe Fabio didn’t respect Daniel. Fabio hit him with everything he had but Daniel kept getting up and fighting.”
Chisora said he would welcome a rematch between Dubois and Wardley after describing the bout as entertaining for boxing fans.
“I would like to see the rematch again. It was a good fight. We enjoyed it, and congratulations to Daniel Dubois for having an amazing victory,” he said.
The veteran boxer also addressed debate surrounding whether the referee should have stopped the fight earlier because of the punishment Wardley endured.
According to Chisora, referees in boxing often face criticism regardless of when they stop fights.
“In boxing you don’t know. If you stop it earlier people say ‘why did you stop it early?’” he said.
“We saw it with George Groves and Carl Froch (in the first fight) and George went mad, everyone went crazy.”
If confirmed, the Chisora-Wilder rematch would add another major event to an already active heavyweight boxing calendar later this year.
