Veteran British heavyweight Derek Chisora has emerged as an unexpected contender for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Heavyweight title, a development that could significantly alter the championship landscape. This surprising turn comes even as boxing fans anticipated Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would battle for the elevated belt.
Chisora’s potential bid follows an announcement in Turkey this week, where the 42-year-old fighter confirmed his intention to continue his career, despite previous hints of retirement. His return to the ring, potentially against current WBA “regular” champion Murat Gassiev, throws a wrench into the WBA’s already complicated heavyweight title situation.
Derek Chisora’s Unlikely Return to Boxing’s Elite Stage
The prospect of such a high-stakes bout adds intrigue to the upcoming boxing schedule, particularly with major December fights.
After a punishing professional career spanning nearly two decades and 50 fights, many observers, and Chisora himself, believed his bout against Deontay Wilder in April would mark his swansong. He suffered a split decision loss to Wilder, being floored twice during the encounter. However, “Del Boy” appears to have had a change of heart, signalling his desire to remain active in the sport.
His presence at a recent press conference in Istanbul, alongside International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev, served as the platform for this revelation. Kremlev pledged to organise a bout for Chisora in England this December, with Chisora himself confirming, “In December we’ll be fighting.”
While no opponent has been officially named, the IBA’s announcement pointed directly to Murat Gassiev as a potential adversary. This connection immediately sparked speculation about a world-title opportunity for Chisora, an unexpected twist for a fighter thought to be winding down his career.
The WBA Heavyweight Division in Turmoil
The heavyweight division under the WBA banner has been anything but straightforward, marked by persistent dissatisfaction from Murat Gassiev’s camp. His co-promoter, Ivaylo Gotzev, vocally questioned the WBA’s decision to attach a “super” championship to the upcoming Fury vs. Joshua fight on December 11.
Gotzev bluntly stated the WBA already had a legitimate heavyweight champion in Murat Gassiev, arguing against the need for another belt. Gassiev himself issued a direct challenge to Tyson Fury, urging him to fight for his existing title rather than a newly sanctioned one, saying, “Tyson, if Joshua doesn’t want to fight, I do.
You want the WBA heavyweight title? I am the WBA heavyweight champion. Don’t fight for a new belt. Fight me for mine.”
The controversy stems from the WBA’s reinstatement of the “super” heavyweight title status for the Fury-Joshua clash, a belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk in June. Critics argue that this move sidelines active champions like Gassiev and undermines the sport’s integrity, with some suggesting the WBA prioritises sanctioning fees over fair play.
Fury vs. Joshua: Battle for the “Super” or “Regular” Belt?
The highly anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is scheduled for Friday, December 11, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, and will be streamed globally on Netflix. Officially, this bout is for the vacant WBA “super” heavyweight title, a decision that continues to draw scrutiny.
The ongoing debate around sanctioning bodies and their decisions often leads to WBA title concerns among fans and fighters.
Tyson Fury holds the WBA No. 2 ranking, with Anthony Joshua just behind him at No. 3, while Jarrell Miller occupies the No. 1 contender spot. Interestingly, the contract for this blockbuster fight reportedly includes no rematch clause. Derek Chisora, a long-time acquaintance and former opponent of both men, recently shared his strong opinions on their upcoming clash.
Chisora believes both Fury and Joshua should instead compete for the 117-year-old British title, also known as the Lord Lonsdale belt.
He contended at an IBA conference that this historic domestic championship holds more prestige, describing it as “better than any other belt right now” due to its singular champion status compared to the multiple belts from various organisations.
Chisora even predicted an Anthony Joshua knockout victory, stating that Fury is “past it,” despite acknowledging Fury’s superior career resume with wins against Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder.
A Proposed Solution for the WBA Heavyweight Quandary
Amidst the escalating tension and dissatisfaction from Gassiev’s camp, a potential compromise is now being explored. Given the close operational relationship between the IBA and WBA, a solution could see Murat Gassiev elevated to WBA Super Champion status. This would allow him to defend that elevated championship, rather than Fury and Joshua contesting it directly.
Under this arrangement, Chisora’s announced December return would take on considerable significance, as he could then challenge Gassiev for the WBA Super title in England. This scenario would allow Fury and Joshua to proceed with their December 11 fight, but for the WBA Regular heavyweight title instead.
Such an outcome would temporarily result in the WBA recognising two heavyweight champions. However, this could provide a pathway for an eventual resolution, with the respective winners potentially ordered to meet in 2027 to consolidate the WBA championship. While nothing has been finalised, Gassiev has publicly indicated his openness to a fight, aligning with the IBA’s commitment to secure a bout for Chisora.
Chisora’s Unprecedented Resurgence at 42
This turn of events represents a remarkable shift for Derek Chisora. At 42 years old, and after 50 professional fights, including recent gruelling encounters, retirement seemed the most logical next step. His previous fight against Deontay Wilder was even promoted with the underlying assumption it would be his final appearance.
Instead, Chisora, who debuted in professional boxing in 2007, finds himself on the cusp of another world-title opportunity, potentially for the most senior version of the WBA heavyweight championship. This while younger, more highly-ranked fighters like Tyson Fury (38) and Anthony Joshua (36) may be relegated to contesting the Regular belt.
Even for seasoned veterans like Fury, discussions about their future and performance are common, with John Fury’s opinions sometimes weighing in on his son’s career trajectory.
A Career Defined by Challenges and Resilience
Chisora has always been a fighter defined by his willingness to take on any challenge. His career includes three losses to Tyson Fury (in July 2011, three years later, and December 2022) and a mentorship role for a young Anthony Joshua at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club.
He, Fury, and Joshua have all held the British heavyweight title at various points, with Richard Riakpohre currently holding it.
For a heavyweight who has dedicated over a decade to chasing another world-title shot, this unexpected door opening again is a testament to his resilience and enduring presence in the sport. His career has been a rollercoaster of high-profile fights, often against top-tier opposition, making this potential title shot a fitting, if surprising, chapter.
Implications and the Future Heavyweight Landscape
The proposed WBA resolution, if it comes to fruition, could address some of the criticisms levelled against the sanctioning body regarding its handling of the heavyweight titles. By elevating Gassiev and creating a path for unification, the WBA might regain some credibility among purists who argue against the proliferation of multiple “world” championships.
However, the decision to allow Fury and Joshua to fight for a “regular” belt, effectively a secondary title, still raises questions about transparency and consistency. It also impacts fans who bought tickets to Chisora’s presumed retirement fight against Wilder. Many now feel misled, having believed that April bout was their last chance to see him compete.
The heavyweight division remains one of boxing’s most captivating, constantly evolving with new contenders and shifting title dynamics. With Fury having recently beaten Mariusz Wach and Joshua stopped Kristian Prenga in July, both fighters are active. The potential for a unified WBA champion in 2027, following a series of high-stakes bouts, promises an exciting period ahead for boxing enthusiasts.
