'Derek Chisora would be a very entertaining fight,' says Murat Gassiev

Though Derek Chisora marketed his 50^th fight as his final one, a points loss to Deontay Wilder in April, he’s shown few signs of being ready to walk away from the sport since.

The 42-year-old, who’s both enjoyed and endured a punishing 36-14 (23 KOs) career, briefly campaigned for a return with Wilder and he’s been regularly spotted at ringside where, when asked, he’s refused to confirm whether he has in fact retired.

Last night, in Moscow, he went nose-to-nose with WBA heavyweight beltholder Murat Gassiev after congratulating the Russian on his victory against the overmatched Peter Kadiru.

Chisora and Gassiev, 34-2 (27 KOs), are old pals but “Del Boy” is no stranger to putting friendships on hold for a bit of prizefighting. Wilder, for example, was a close acquaintance of Chisora’s before they pummelled each other for 12 gruelling rounds in London. Tyson Fury, another buddy of Chisora by the time they met for a third time, beat up his pal for 10 rounds at the end of 2022.

Gassiev will entertain a fight with Chisora, too.

“If we can’t unify the belts in the near future, why not?” Gassiev said about the prospect of adding yet more wear and tear to Chisora. “Unification fights are always the priority… The champions have the belts and that’s what every boxer is chasing.”

Unification in the “near future” might be difficult, however. Agit Kabayel is the WBC champion and is hoping to announce his first defense in the coming weeks. Daniel Dubois, who holds the WBO belt, is tied to a rematch with Fabio Wardley and the IBF strap remains vacant though a bout between Frank Sanchez and Moses Itauma (who fights Filip Hrgovic on August 29) has been ordered.

Unification, then, seems unlikely this side of Christmas.

“Chisora and I have a good relationship. We’re friends,” said Gassiev. “He’s a big name in boxing and that fight would generate a lot of excitement.

“I’m sure it would be a very entertaining fight.”

Chisora is not ranked at heavyweight by the WBA and claims to have turned down a recent offer to fight Gassiev, when Tony Yoka pulled out at late notice, because he wasn't ready.