As fans might have caught wind of, there’s been some unsettling chatter about British boxing legend Derek Chisora stepping into the ring against current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. This bout would mark Chisora’s 50th and final fight, and he’s looking to make it a memorable one. After coming off a win against Otto Wallin in an IBF eliminator match, Chisora is surprisingly in the running to challenge Dubois.
Daniel Dubois has expressed his interest in taking on Joseph Parker next. The two were slated to face each other not long ago, but Dubois had to withdraw due to illness. He mentioned that he plans to fight again in July, and he didn’t seem too concerned about who his opponent might be. Meanwhile, heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk has shown interest in a rematch with Dubois, which could potentially be the Ukrainian’s second-to-last fight.
The idea of Chisora, at 41 years old, clashing with Dubois this summer is raising eyebrows and concerns. Joining many fans in their apprehension is trainer Don Charles, who has long been in Chisora’s corner. Charles, who has recently been training Dubois, finds himself in a tough spot with this potential matchup. He talked to Talk Sport, expressing his unwillingness to face off against his friend and former trainee while coaching Dubois.
“I have a lot of reasons to be against this fight,” Charles commented about a potential Dubois-Chisora showdown. “First off, Derek is not in the same physical state as before, especially facing someone at the peak of his powers. Derek’s had 49 bouts, and I’ve been there for 38 of those. It’s not just about health risks but also our emotional bond. He deserves a worthwhile send-off, a fight that pays well, and that the crowd enjoys. Yet, I find it hard to envision standing in the opposite corner with Dubois.”
Charles’s apprehension resonates deeply. However, considering how business goes, he noted that if the fight is mandated, he would act “professionally.”
“I’m not the one making the rules here,” he stated. “I’m just a trainer in the difficult position of occupying both corners emotionally.”
It would be distressing for Charles—and scores of Chisora’s fans—if Dubois ends up fighting Chisora and seriously injuring him. This is a scene many dread when contemplating this matchup. No one, including Don Charles, wants to see such an outcome.
Sure, Chisora deserves an impressive farewell fight, but not at the cost of stepping into the ring for a bout that seems unwinnable and potentially harmful. Instead, let’s hope Dubois either takes on Usyk or Parker next, while Chisora secures a more suitable and safe opponent for his career closer.
