Turns out Derek Chisora’s “last dance” wasn’t his final fight. Not even close. After announcing his retirement back in April following his 50th bout with Deontay Wilder, Chisora is officially making a comeback to the ring under the IBA banner this December in the UK. Seriously, did anyone actually think “Del Boy” was done?
“Del Boy” Ain’t Done, Targets WBA Champ
This guy just can’t stay away from the action. Chisora and IBA president Umar Kremlev made the announcement Tuesday, confirming he’ll be back fighting by December. While we don’t have an exact date or venue locked down yet, Chisora himself spilled the beans at a press conference in Istanbul: he wants to go head-to-head with WBA champion Murat Gassiev. We’re talking London or Manchester, with the WBA champ in the opposite corner. Kremlev backed it up too, saying Chisora wanted to support the IBA’s tournaments and they promised him a bout in England. Chisora himself is hyped about what the IBA is doing, saying “it’s going to get better and better” and that they’ll be fighting in December. You gotta respect that passion, right?
Gassiev’s Belt, Fury-Joshua, and What It All Means
So, let’s talk about the man Chisora is eyeing: Murat Gassiev. This dude got his WBA (World) title with a come-from-behind sixth-round knockout of Kubrat Pulev last December. He then defended it against Peter Kadiru in July. For a hot minute there, Gassiev was *the* full champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belts. But here’s where it gets wild: that “full champion” status? It’s already looking shaky. The WBA is expected to add its “Super” title to the December 11 showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. If that happens, Gassiev gets relegated back to secondary champion status. So, Chisora’s return doesn’t just mean a big fight, it adds another layer of drama to an already confusing title picture for Gassiev. Talk about high stakes!
It’s going to be a wild December for the boxing world. With Chisora officially back and aiming for Gassiev’s WBA title, you know it’s gonna be must-watch television. Can Gassiev hold on to his rapidly diminishing “full champion” status, or will Chisora’s unexpected return shake things up even more? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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