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Derek Chisora’s potential shot at a world heavyweight title has hit a major roadblock, as two other fighters are now said to be squaring off in an eliminator for the IBF belt.
Chisora, 40, had seemingly secured a golden opportunity to challenge for the IBF title following a hard-fought points win over Otto Wallin. Chisora’s career has seen something of an Indian summer as he has beaten the likes of Kubrat Pulev, Joe Joyce, and Otto Wallin in his latest few fights, and will retire after his next fight, which will be his 50th.
Chisora was reported to have become Dubois’ mandatory after defeating Wallin, though it seems Dubois is now close to finalising a deal with Oleksandr Usyk for a rematch in Wembley this summer, meaning Chisora’s world title dreams are not likely to happen.
Filip Hrgovic and Frank Sanchez to Challenge for Manadatory Position
With Dubois now facing Usyk, Chisora will have no choice but to move on, as his career winds down, and will need to find a suitable opponent if he is to have his final fight this year.
Given Chisora is perhaps not sticking around in the sport for much longer, it makes sense that there may be a new IBF mandatory soon, as Filip Hrgovic and Frank Sanchez are now in position to face off for the opportunity.
Hrgovic has already been beaten by Dubois, but has since bounced back with a win over Joyce, whilst Sanchez scored a knockout in February after his loss to Agit Kabayel.
The IBF has yet to clarify the official challenger pecking order, but with Hrgovic and Sanchez on course to collide, Chisora’s title shot may be slipping out of reach. It’s unclear whether the British veteran still holds mandatory status or will need to fight again to maintain his position in line.
