Online Reporter
LONDON. — Frank Warren is hoping Derek Chisora will retire after 50 fights, but he has a feeling “Del Boy” could box on past the half-century mark.
The Queensberry Promotions chief has been tasked with guiding the Zimbabwe-born British heavyweight boxer through the twilight of a career which is expected to end after one final bow.
Chisora had promised Warren that he would pack it in after his next bout, but a win over Otto Wallin in an IBF eliminator last February has thrown a spanner in the works.
The 41-year-old now finds himself in an unlikely IBF mandatory position with a shot at the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois’ undisputed clash seemingly on the horizon.
WBO mandatory Joseph Parker is next up in the sanctioning body rotation system, meaning Chisora may have to wait until the second half of 2026 for his shot at world heavyweight gold.
As a result, Warren anticipates Chisora will fight again during the interim period before he is ordered to box the IBF champion.
Asked by talkSPORT.com if Chisora will wait out for his shot at the red and gold strap, Warren said: “No, I think he will fight before then.
“We will see what happens, boxing is an unusual business, it is always changing and evolving.
“But it is exciting, and this heavyweight division is really exciting.
“I wish he would stop at 50, but you never know. He might just want to (do 51 fights). I would prefer it if he retires.”Chisora is currently riding a three-fight winning streak in an unforeseen career resurgence.
After getting stopped by Tyson Fury in 2022, several members of the boxing fraternity urged Chisora to call it a day.
However, the Finchley puncher boxed on to beat Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce, and Wallin.
Following his victory over Wallin in fight number 49, Chisora seemed set on his exit plan.
At the post-fight press conference, he was asked if he would be tempted to fight 51 times, should he win his 50th outing.
“No, no, no. That’s it,” he replied. “I think I’m getting old.” Whether that proves to be the case is yet to be seen. — talkSPORT.com/Sports Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu