Derek Chisora put in a valiant display in defeat to pound-for-pound star, Oleksandr Uysk in London last Saturday night.
Many gave the Finchley man little hope of figuring out the puzzle, deeming it a near mission impossible, and despite Chisora ending the night in defeat by unanimous decision – for some, the scores were a lot closer than what the judges awarded on the night.
Chisora was viewed as the ideal acid test for the former undisputed cruiserweight world champion, Usyk, who in just his second fight at heavyweight found himself as early as the first round, stumbling back from a heavy right hand from ‘DelBoy’.
Usyk ate the Brit’s best shots and his footwork, speed and general ring craft made him difficult to pin down. However, Chisora was never embarrassed as some believed would be the case and pushed Usyk to the hilt, particularly in the latter rounds, even if he did fall short in the last couple of rounds.
Chisora is always value for money, from the pre-fight, back-and-forth over social media to his unconventional, halloween-themed weigh-in attire, the 36-year-old may have missed out on a mandatory position to unified world champion, Anthony Joshua which remains the reward for Usyk, yet his display was one of grit and determination from a fighter who is not ready just yet to call it a day and a threat to anyone at world level.
To get the optimum out of Chisora, however he must be matched correctly, against opponents dangerous enough to bring him the best out of him.
The following options are likely to do just that:
Joseph Parker
The pair were scheduled to meet last October, before a spider bite ruled the former WBO heavyweight world champion out.
Parker launches his assault back to world title contention against New Zealand rival Junior Fa on December 12 and is currently ranked #3 by the WBO.
However, his pursuit of a second world title may not come immediately if former foe, Joshua decides to honour his mandatory and face Usyk next Spring, providing he overcomes Kubrat Pulev on December 12.
Even if Joshua decides to vacate the belt to pursue a clash with WBC champion Tyson Fury then the WBO could enforce a clash between Usyk and number #2 contender, Daniel Dubois.
A showdown between Parker and Chisora, which potentially could have some needle after their proposed fight fell through, could make sense for all parties, particularly Chisora who would catapult himself back into world title contention with victory.
Moreover, Parker is an established name and familiar figure in the UK, having fought Joshua and Dillian Whyte on two, major pay-per-view shows and the demand for an all-acton bout with Chisora would be an appealing prospect.
Andy Ruiz Jr
Andy Ruiz Jr has been out of action since his loss to Anthony Joshua in a historic world heavyweight title rematch in Saudi Arabia in December.
The Mexican’s profile skyrocketed following his shock stoppage win over the Brit in June 2019 to become unified champion, but the 30-year-old admitted he did not train to the same degree second time around, as he was beaten comfortably over the distance.
Ruiz Jr has since switched training camps to Eddy Reynoso, coach of Canelo Alvarez and Ryan Garcia and remains a huge draw.
Ruiz Jr possesses razor-sharp hand speed and if he is able to stay disciplined, he’ll remain a potent threat and a bout with Chisora would propel him back into the limelight.
Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter has long yearned for a big name opponent, attempting to lure just about every top name heavyweight to his grasp.
In recent weeks, the American has offered to face Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte for free, with the latter seeing a scheduled rematch with Alexander Povetkin postponed after the Russian tested positive for COVID-19.
Hunter has carried his speed and power up from Cruiserweight where his only defeat comes against Usyk in a world title tilt in 2017.
‘The Bounty’ has adjusted into the blue-riband division and was perhaps unfortunate not to revive the nod over Povetkin in Saudi Arabia in December, with the 32-year-old forced to settle for a draw.
Lets add Hunter-Chisora on that card. https://t.co/ZTuibGcYev
— Michael Hunter ll (@MichaelHunterII) November 7, 2020
Hunter is well known to the UK fans, having beaten Martin Bakole and been apart of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing stable, although he is now a free agent and seen as a huge threat to anyone in the division. It’s needless to say that he would jump at the opportunity to face Chisora.
Daniel Dubois-Joe Joyce winner
The winner of the highly-anticipated all-British showdown between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce on November 28 will be in a significant position.
As mentioned, Dubois is rated #2 with the WBO and could be in line for an immediate world title shot if Joshua opts to face Tyson Fury instead of Usyk.
Although, if Joshua does fulfil his mandatory obligation then the victor of this clash will have to wait for their opportunity and whilst some might argue that a world title shot is premature, considering both have had fewer than 20 fights each, Chisora would provide another stern test, whilst giving ‘DelBoy’ the chance to elevate himself back up the rankings with victory in what would be another intriguing domestic fight.
Filip Hrgovic
Fast-rising Croatian, Filip Hrgovic secured his twelfth straight win and tenth stoppage with victory over Rydell Booker on the undercard of Devin Haney’s shutout over Yuriorkis Gamboa on Saturday.
Hrgovic rattled off a series of future opponents after dispatching the American in five rounds; the first fighter to halt Booker in his career.
Hrgovic said post-fight: “Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois, whoever. Povetkin, Dillian Whyte, Chisora, I want all these guys to fight and to beat. This will be my preparation for the best in the division.”
▪️ @DerekWarChisora
▪️ @DillianWhyte
▪️ Povetkin@Filip_Hrgovic wants all the heavyweights. 💬 pic.twitter.com/PNO8E6mKdQ— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 8, 2020
The 28-year-old, like Dubois and Joyce is another man at fringe world level, if not one or two fights from challenging the elite of the division and again Chisora may prove the perfect step up.
A shot against the winner of Dubois and Joyce seems the most likely option, with the European title at stake as well.
Chisora might feel that there is little to gain from fighting an up-and-coming fighter like Hrgovic, whilst his profile is not yet big enough for a potential bout to command the purses that the Brit had been seeing, notably for bouts against Whyte and Usyk.
