Derek Chisora gets wheeled out again on Saturday night for a fight against an American also-ran he would have demolished a decade ago. However, those days are gone.
Too often of late, Chisora has been placed into battles he cannot win. The real fear this weekend is that it will be one too many.
Against Tyson Fury, Chisora was predictably mauled for ten rounds before being saved from himself. The man formerly known as Del Boy is no longer capable of the “WAR” moniker he lives by.
Chisora faces ex-Deontay Wilder victim Gerald Washington at the O2 Arena in what could be another painful night judging by his recent performances.
The Finchley man is old, battle-worn, and a far cry from his turnaround knockout against Carlos Takam. Five years on, Chisora can no longer end fights in an instant, which will be needed against Washington on Saturday night.
Since the Takam win in 2018, Chisora has been dominated in every world title contest and, only for a gift decision against Kubrat Pulev, has lost five bouts in a row.
It’s not just the losses, though. It’s the manner of the defeats. Chisora gets degraded far too often and gets through fights on his sheer determination that keeps referees from jumping in.
A record of 33-13, 23 KOs tells its own story as Chisora fails again to be saved from himself. Nothing short of smashing Washington to pieces will do anything but prolong the agony.
Derek Chisora prolongs plummeting boxing career
Speaking at the press conference before his clash on the Anthony Joshua undercard, you’d have thought Chisora was gearing up for another world title shot, not trying to stop the rot.
“It’s going to be a great show. They are all big fights for me. All the fights are my babies. From the first fight to when I have my last fight, I love them all,” said Chisora.
“I got two kids. I love them the same way. But I don’t love one better than the other. It’s the same with my fights.
“I know what Gerald is going to bring. He’ll put his Usain Bolt shoes on, and he’s going to run. But that’s OK. We’re going to chase him, find him, and mess him up.
“I won’t lie, he’s my friend, but when I get in the ring, I’ll eat this guy up.”
Discussing his plummeting career, Chisora added: “All fights you have to win. Sometimes it’s not your day.
“Man makes plans, and God laughs at him. I could say I’ll KO him in three rounds, and it goes the twelve. I wanted to win all the fights I’d lost.”
On startling suggestions he could have stepped in for Dillian Whyte when his former rival was thrown out for a drug test failure, Chisora concluded: “People put my name in the bag for the ‘AJ’ fight, but I kept quiet.”
Sadly for Chisora, even if he manages to win against Washington, no British boxing fan in their right mind would want to see him in with Joshua.
If this proves to be his last fight, let’s hope it’s quick and painless.
The views in this article are that of Phil Jay. The WBN Editor is an experienced boxing news writer.
