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Derek Chisora has announced his intention to retire following his next fight, regardless of the outcome, but he is eager for it to be a title challenge against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Chisora expressed his determination to secure a championship bout after the IBF confirmed it would mandate his challenge against the British heavyweight champion Dubois on April 22.
Chisora, who recently achieved a points victory over Otto Wallin in February—marked as a title eliminator—has been placed as the mandatory challenger for the IBF title without the need for a final eliminator. At 41 years old, Chisora has made it clear that even if he were to become world champion, he would still hang up his gloves. “I’m saying it right now—I’ll be retired by the end of this year. I’m being honest with you,” he stated. “Will it change my retirement plans? Absolutely not,” he added.
The heavy-handed fighter remarked, “No matter the outcome of my fight, this will be my last one. This is it for me, even if I win the title.” He shared an amusing but serious ultimatum from his wife regarding his boxing career: “She told me that if I take another fight after this one, she’d leave. So I have to honor that.” He emphasized the importance of sticking to his decision, noting the complications that can arise from wavering on retirement plans.
Chisora Looks Forward to Title Shot Against Dubois at Wembley
Chisora expressed his strong desire to face Dubois, ideally in what he envisions as a thrilling event at Wembley. He noted, “I’m desperate for this shot now that the IBF has made me the mandatory challenger. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.”
He characterized the prospective fight as particularly intriguing because Dubois is trained by Chisora’s former coach, which adds an extra layer to the matchup. “This is my first time being mandatory for a world title shot, and it’s unbelievable,” he remarked, reflecting on his experience in the ring.
While he awaits scheduled talks regarding the potential bout, Chisora is taking the time to prepare: “I’m committed to dedicating myself in training and putting on a show for everyone.” He also hinted that he’s not in a hurry for the fight to happen, with plans to contact promoter Frank Warren soon for updates on the negotiations. “I’m confident the match against Daniel is going to happen at Wembley,” he stated. “I envision a sold-out venue and an incredible entrance for the event.”
Looking ahead, Chisora dreams of showcasing the fight on a holiday weekend to attract families, hoping to emulate previous successful events. “I want the atmosphere to be vibrant where everyone can enjoy a fantastic boxing night,” he said, hinting at the kind of experience he hopes to curate for fans.
Upcoming Live Boxing Events on Sky Sports
Sunday, April 6
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Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron 2
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Monday, May 5
Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas
Sunday, May 10
Emanuel Navarrete vs. Charly Suarez
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Manchester Box Cup Amateur Tournament
Saturday, June 7
Callum Simpson vs. Ivan Zucco
Source
www.skysports.com