Derek Chisora took such a long run up to his retirement, announcing after beating Joe Joyce in his 48th bout almost two years ago that he planned to leave after his 50th, it should be no surprise that, now, with half century completed, he’s finding it so hard to leave.
The 42-year-old suffered defeat in that supposed last fight, losing a split decision to Deontay Wilder following a gruelling, entertaining, and chaotic, 12-rounder.
Both looked old. Both gave it everything, too.
Chisora grumbled about the decision afterwards, even though the one score out of three that went his way looked generous. Wilder wasn’t happy, either, after some questionable officiating throughout the bout, coupled with that judge who somehow scored for Chisora, left a bad taste in his mouth.
But the controversy didn’t linger for long. It seemed like finished business, for both the rivalry and Chisora’s long and punishing 36-14 (23 KOs) career.
But Tuesday, when talking to Sky Sports, Chisora revealed he’s in the early stages of trying to arrange a rematch with the 40-year-old former WBC beltholder.
“I’m working on the rematch,” Chisora said. “The wife has given me the green light so I will be doing the rematch.
“I haven’t confirmed it yet. I have a couple of meetings [on Wednesday] and we will see how it goes.
“[Wilder] is keen because he’s so upset with the result as well. Yes, he might have won, but he’s upset so we are going to run it back.”
Should Chisora, a veteran of 348 professional rounds, get his wish he has, of course, made a new promise to at last walk away afterwards.
“That’s it,” he said. “End of the year I will retire.”
