Derek Chisora wants to get to fifty professional fights after outpointing Joe Joyce in a classic.
‘WAR’ recorded a fantastic upset win at London’s O2 arena as he dropped and outpointed Joyce in a real display of character and determination.
Chisora is now 40 and has faced persistent calls to retire from the boxing public, particularly since he has now recorded back-to-back wins.
Despite taking some punishment in a real war of attrition, the Finchley star has vowed to continue to fight and is eyeing a next appearance in Manchester.
He said in the ring after the event: “I love you, London. I tell you what, things were off there. I had to dig deep.
“Joe’s a good fighter but I knew I was going to drop him at some stage.
“I signed with Frank Warren and we went to York Hall, I think it’s a good time to end my career with the man I started with. Thanks, Frank.
“I’ve got two fights left, I’m not retiring tonight, but this was my last London fight. I’ll go to Manchester before the end of the year.”
Chisora is now expected to fight two more times, with options set to be assessed in the coming weeks.
It is highly unlikely that Chisora will fight at world level, but two fan-friendly clashes are expected to be picked for his farewell tour.
Here at talkSPORT.com we have take a look at the three best options we have picked out for his next outing…
Dillian Whyte [trilogy]
A third showdown with Whyte would certainly be an event which would capture the imagination of British boxing fans.
It is a rivalry that has already sold out arenas on two separate occasions, and generated huge interest and revenue.
The heavyweight pair first met in an absolute barnstormer in Manchester in 2016, with Whyte picking up a win by controversial split decision.
Chisora eyed his revenge and he got an opportunity at the same venue he beat Joyce in December 2018.
‘WAR’ appeared to have the initiative in an epic back and forth encounter, but he was knocked out cold by a thunderous left hook from Whyte.
It was two all-action classics between the British pair, with fans always suggesting a trilogy would be on the cards.
The rivals had bad blood on both occasions in tense build-ups, and a third instalment could well relight the fire for both fighters.
Given Chisora is also interested in a return to Manchester, a third meeting would certainly be something that makes sense for both fighters at this stage of their career.
Fabio Wardley v Frazer Clarke 2 winner
Wardley and Clarke equally had the minds of British boxing fans blown as they fought to a draw in their domestic title clash in April.
A rematch is likely to be the next port of call for the pair to settle who will gain the Lonsdale belt for good.
But Chisora would make a logical step for the winner of the clash, as they look to start their own journey to world level.
Despite being 40, Chisora has incredible heart and aggression and would provide a rugged gatekeeper test for the future star that emerges.
A stumbling block could be the veteran’s desire to fight before the end of the year, with the sequel not yet pencilled in.
But it would be an ideal test for either Wardley or Clarke, who will be looking to take step-by-step as they look to prove world level credentials.
Andy Ruiz Jr
A clash between the Briton and Ruiz would be one which would again capture the public, even if it seems unlikely.
Ruiz is set to return for the first time in two years as he takes on Jarrell Miller on Terence Crawford’s undercard next weekend.
If he progresses, ‘The Destroyer’ will need activity to restore his name back into the world title mix.
A showdown between the pair in Saudi Arabia could be huge business given their investment into the heavyweight division currently.
Both fighters are on good terms with the Middle East, and it could be a real all-action affair.
Ruiz is also a familiar face on British shores given his famous upset win over Anthony Joshua in 2019.
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News Summary:
- Three potential next opponents for Derek Chisora as he defies retirement pleas following Joe Joyce upset win
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