Derek Chisora to Return in December Despite Retirement Talk

Derek Chisora Confirms Fight Set for December

Derek Chisora, who is 42 years old, has announced plans to fight again in December after previously hinting at retirement. His last bout, which took place in April against Deontay Wilder, was promoted as his final match. Despite that, Chisora now says he will step back into the ring, disputing any notion that he has retired.

Upcoming Match Against Murat Gassiev

At a news conference on Tuesday, Chisora revealed he expects to face Murat Gassiev later this year. He mentioned the location could be London or Manchester and that two titles might be contested: the IBA belt and the title currently held by Gassiev.

"December will be me versus Gassiev," Chisora said. "We're going to decide where, either in London or Manchester. We're going to put two belts on the line, I believe, the IBA and the one Gassiev holds.""What people have to understand is that what the IBA does is unbelievable. I believe this goes deeper than what we’re doing here right now. I believe it’s going to get better and better. In December we’ll be fighting."

Context Around Titles and Fighters

Gassiev is recognized as the WBA super heavyweight world champion, but there is some uncertainty about his status because Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are reportedly scheduled to fight for his world title on 11 December.

The Russian fighter himself expressed confusion about whether he still holds the WBA championship.

IBA's Role and Chisora's Career Longevity

The press event was hosted by the IBA, a boxing organization stripped of its amateur governing role by the International Olympic Committee in 2023, yet continues to organize professional matches.

Gassiev's recent fights have been under the IBA's jurisdiction, and he was named WBA super champion in June after Oleksandr Usyk gave up the belt.

Throughout his career, several of Chisora’s matches have been advertised as farewell bouts. Many in the boxing world have urged him to retire due to his age, but he stands firm on continuing.

"I never said I was retired. They (the organizers) said 50 last dance," Chisora explained. "This is why you’ve got [films like] Rush Hour 1, Rush Hour 2, Coming to America 1, Coming to America 2. You understand? So this is the Last Dance 3. Listen, trust me, I’m a seller, I sell. That’s my job."

Chisora’s Record and Future Outlook

• Total fights: 50
• Wins: 36

Despite calls for him to stop, Chisora appears ready to continue adding chapters to his career with this upcoming bout. The boxing community waits to see how December unfolds.