Derek Chisora’s long-planned farewell bout has drifted into 2026, but the delay has only intensified interest in who will share the ring with him for fight number 50. As the veteran heavyweight weighs up one last challenge, three hard-hitting contenders have publicly positioned themselves as candidates to face Derek Chisora in his career finale.
At the front of the queue is Dillian Whyte, Chisora’s long-time rival and the man who has beaten him twice. Their trilogy bout was pencilled in for December before collapsing late, but Whyte has remained vocal and interested. A third meeting would give Chisora one final chance to overturn a rival who has consistently had his number.
Also circling is Zhilei Zhang, who made his interest clear late last year after missing out on Chisora’s December date. Zhang, coming off a knockout loss to Agit Kabayel, has openly called for the fight and represents a fan-friendly matchup between two popular veterans. While previously passed over, Zhang’s willingness to engage suggests the bout could be made quickly if Chisora opts for a straightforward, high-impact send-off.
The most ambitious option is Murat Gassiev, recently crowned WBA (Regular) heavyweight champion after dethroning Kubrat Pulev. A clash with Gassiev would offer Chisora something he has chased his entire career: a world title shot in his final fight. Gassiev’s camp has confirmed strong interest, even expressing a willingness to travel to London, framing the bout as a historic opportunity for both men.
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