Veteran heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora has dismissed suggestions that he has hung up his gloves, announcing plans to step back into the ring before the end of the year. The British fighter, who reached his 42nd year, last competed in April when he faced Deontay Wilder. That encounter had been heavily promoted as the fiftieth and final appearance of his professional career, which began nearly two decades ago in 2007.
Despite the billing of his previous bout, Chisora never officially confirmed his permanent departure from the sport. During a media briefing held on Tuesday, he revealed that his next contest is scheduled for December against Murat Gassiev. According to the British competitor, discussions are currently underway to determine whether the event will take place in London or Manchester.
Chisora indicated that the matchup would feature multiple championships on the line, mentioning both an IBA title and a belt currently held by Gassiev. The upcoming event is being organized under the banner of the International Boxing Association. The organization lost its recognition as the global governing body for amateur boxing from the International Olympic Committee three years ago and has since shifted its focus toward staging professional events.
Gassiev holds a prominent position within the heavyweight division, though questions have recently surfaced regarding his championship status amid overlapping reports involving other high-profile bouts. The Russian fighter acknowledged on Tuesday that he was uncertain whether he still held his specific world title designation. Nevertheless, he has frequently partnered with the IBA for his recent ring appearances.
Throughout his professional journey, Chisora has accumulated thirty-six victories across fifty contests. Repeated appeals from observers within the boxing community have urged the veteran to step away due to his advancing age, and several of his previous matches were marketed as farewell performances.
Addressing reporters, Chisora pushed back against the narrative that he had broken a retirement promise, clarifying that event promoters were primarily responsible for labeling his last outing as a final farewell. Comparing his career longevity to popular cinematic sequels, he defended his continued presence in the sport. He emphasized his commercial appeal and ability to draw audiences, stating that entertaining fans remains his primary profession.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
