The Final Hurrah: Derek Chisora's 50th Fight and the Contenders
Derek Chisora, the veteran boxer, has been patiently waiting for his 50th and final professional bout, and his journey has now extended into 2026. As 'Del Boy' seeks a worthy opponent for his grand finale, we explore the three heavyweights who are eager to step into the ring with him.
Dillian Whyte: The Rivalry Continues
Despite Dillian Whyte's impressive record against Chisora, with two wins under his belt, it seemed like he was the frontrunner for this historic fight. Their trilogy fight was scheduled for December 13 in Manchester, but plans fell through at the last minute. However, Whyte, known as the 'Body Snatcher', remains a formidable rival, and a third encounter could give Chisora the chance to finally claim victory and retire on a high note.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Whyte revealed the tension between him and Chisora, stating, "We don't particularly like each other." He even went as far as calling Chisora a "bully." Whyte confidently predicted, "It's going to be a complete whitewash, 3-0." With their history and mutual respect, this fight could be a thrilling conclusion to their rivalry.
Zhilei Zhang: The Chinese Boogeyman's Return
Zhilei Zhang, or 'Big Bang', was initially linked to Chisora's December fight, but the plans changed when Whyte entered the picture. Zhang, like Chisora, has a global fan base, but his knockout loss to Agit Kabayel last year added a new element of vulnerability to his reputation.
In a recent Instagram post, Zhang expressed his interest in facing Chisora, saying, "Hey Derek, I am waiting, what are you doing?" Although Zhang might be hesitant after being overlooked before, his enthusiasm is genuine. Chisora knows that this fight could be arranged swiftly if he decides to return to the ring soon.
Murat Gassiev: The Dream Title Fight
The final contender is a fresh face, Murat Gassiev, who presents Chisora with the opportunity to fight for a world title in his last bout. Gassiev recently dethroned Kubrat Pulev to claim the WBA (Regular) heavyweight world title, and he is expected to either face Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch or be upgraded to full WBA world champion in 2026.
Gassiev's manager, Al Siesta, confirmed their interest in this monumental fight, stating, "It is Murat's dream to fight in London, specifically at Wembley Stadium. He adores British boxing fans and their passion." Siesta even suggested that Gassiev would be willing to fight on away soil, showcasing his confidence.
"Our friend Derek Chisora has already demanded the fight with Murat. Imagine the story: Chisora fighting for the WBA heavyweight title in his 50th professional fight. We are ready to make this happen in London."
While Gassiev has been ordered to face Moses Itauma, it is uncertain if Itauma is ready for this challenge, potentially leaving the door open for Chisora's surprise title shot.
So, who do you think will step into the ring with Derek Chisora for his 50th and final fight? Will it be the familiar face of Dillian Whyte, the intriguing Zhilei Zhang, or the ambitious Murat Gassiev? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
