After his loss to Tyson Fury last year, Derek Chisora has finally returned to the boxing ring. Despite the veteran boxer’s recent win, many fans are urging him to retire over chasing lucrative paydays.
For fighters in combat sports, each fight under a major promotion usually offers a significant payday, which often entices them to prolong their careers. While the love for the sport is a driving factor, determining the right time to retire is also essential.
Derek Chisora claps back at Haters
Yesterday at the O2 Arena in London, Derek secured a victory against Gerald Washington. After the fight, the Zimbabwean discussed his retirement strategy and explained his intention to engage in three additional bouts before retirement.
“It’s not retirement yet. No, no, no, I’m not stopping. F**k off. Not yet. It’s not time yet. Look at my kids. Everybody enjoying life. My kids are playing. It’s beautiful. I get punched, they play, it’s cool.” Derek said.
🚨| Derek Chisora Defeats Gerald Washington via Unanimous Decision #JoshuavsHelenius pic.twitter.com/yJWrrDPth7
— Jmag (@jmagings) August 12, 2023
The 39-year-old boxer expressed that only fighters themselves can determine when to end their careers, as outsiders can’t comprehend the journey from amateur to becoming a professional fighter.
“I’ll be honest with you. I’ve got three more fights, and then I’m out. I want to get to 50. Is that alright? I’ll do the f**k I want because you know why? I’m war,” Derek further added.
Just another day doing what we love me and my friend @EddieHearn pic.twitter.com/91TkLbukFg
— Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) August 9, 2023
This is why many retired fighters return to the gym to train others after their competitive days are over. That also seems to be the reason why ‘War’ wants to go for three more pro-fights.
Derek Chisora’s career highlights
Chisora’s professional boxing career began in 2007 and he went undefeated for the first three years appearing in fourteen bouts. The Zimbabwean boxer’s career includes many notable victories over opponents like David Price, Kubrat Pulev, Malik Scott, Carlos Takam, and Artur Szpilka.
‘War’ has engaged in thrilling battles against formidable opponents like Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Robert Helenius, and Vitali Klitschko. Despite not securing victories in any of these matches, Chisora’s unwavering determination to fight on established him as a prominent figure in the heavyweight boxing division.
The heavyweight legend has garnered numerous achievements over his boxing journey, notably clinching the British and European heavyweight titles. Do you think it’s Chisora’s turn to hang off the gloves? If he does continue, who would you want to see face next? Let us know in the comments section below!
