Derek Chisora is on the cusp of a significant opportunity as the IBF has confirmed that it will order heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois to make a mandatory title defense against him. This news, revealed by Sky Sports, is a pivotal moment for Chisora, who is eyeing a world title shot in what could be his final professional fight.
Chisora, a seasoned veteran of the ring at 41 years old, is set to enter the ring for his 50th bout, and a fight against Dubois would be a fitting climax to his 18-year career in boxing. The IBF stated, "Derek Chisora is the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois, but the mandatory bout is due to be ordered on April 22, 2025. There is not enough time for an eliminator since Dubois' mandatory is due on June 21, 2025." This timeline gives Chisora a narrow window to secure his shot at the heavyweight title.
Dubois, who recently enjoyed a stellar 2024, has been on a remarkable path since his breakout victory over Jarrell Miller. He followed that up with a knockout win against Filip Hrgovic and a stunning fifth-round KO against former two-time champion Anthony Joshua. However, his plans took a hit when he was forced to withdraw from a scheduled title defense against Joseph Parker due to illness.
Despite the setback, Dubois is still eyeing the possibility of unifying his IBF title with the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. If Dubois chooses to pursue this unification fight, it could potentially push back his mandatory defense against Chisora. An IBF spokesperson noted, "If Daniel Dubois wants to pursue the unification, that would take precedence over the mandatory." This leaves fans in suspense as they await confirmation of Dubois' next steps.
Frank Warren, Dubois' promoter, had previously hinted that Chisora was in line for this fight, and now the IBF's official stance has brought that possibility closer to reality. Chisora's journey in boxing has been marked by notable encounters, including previous unsuccessful attempts at the heavyweight title against legends like Vitali Klitschko and Tyson Fury. A shot at Dubois would mark his third attempt at the sport's most coveted prize.
Dubois himself has expressed a willingness to face Chisora, referring to the bout as a "good comeback fight." He remarked, "After the main three guys I’m thinking about, yeah, why not? Why not Chisora? I feel like that’s a good fight for me really. In my eyes, that’s a good comeback fight. Let’s see." This sentiment reflects not only Dubois' respect for Chisora as a competitor but also his readiness to return to the ring after his recent health issues.
The stakes are incredibly high for both fighters. For Chisora, this fight could be a glorious finale, allowing him to retire as a champion if he can secure a victory. For Dubois, it represents a chance to solidify his reign and continue his ascent in the heavyweight division. However, the looming possibility of a unification bout against Usyk adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the situation.
As fans eagerly await the official announcement on April 22, the boxing world is buzzing with speculation. Will Dubois choose to defend his title against Chisora, or will he chase the unification bout with Usyk? The coming weeks are sure to bring clarity to this developing story.
Chisora's resilience and determination to compete at the highest level, even at 41, speaks volumes about his passion for the sport. This upcoming match could serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in boxing, regardless of the outcome. As he prepares for what could be the final chapter of his career, Chisora remains focused and ready to give it his all in the ring.
In the meantime, Dubois is back in training, aiming to regain his form and prepare for whoever his next opponent may be. The heavyweight division is known for its unpredictability, and with the recent developments, fans can expect an exciting showdown, whether it’s against Chisora or another top contender.
As the boxing community holds its breath for the April 22 announcement, both fighters are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Will Chisora finally capture the world title that has eluded him for so long, or will Dubois continue to establish himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight landscape? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding this potential matchup is palpable.
