When Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora were initially connected, it appeared to be a logical and fitting match. This was due to multiple reasons: firstly, Joyce was progressing in his career while Chisora was experiencing a decline, and secondly, both fighters were known for enduring a significant amount of punishment in their pursuit of victory, ensuring an entertaining spectacle for fans.
Moreover, when it was initially suggested in 2018, there was a prevailing feeling that the bout had to occur promptly due to the harsh reality that the ability to entertain fans often results in unexpected defeats or a sudden decline in performance. At that time, genuine concerns existed for both Joyce and Chisora, which is why the prospect of them fighting in 2024, six years later, is more than just disheartening. It is undeniably disheartening to witness Joyce once again competing at this lower level, after previously displaying great promise, and it is sorrowful for many to observe Chisora, who will turn 41 later this year, still engaging in boxing at a level where he can earn a decent income but also sustain significant life-altering injuries.
The announcement of Joyce vs. Chisora on July 27 was met with widespread condemnation on Wednesday (May 22), lacking the excitement it would have generated in previous years. Some deemed it pointless, while others considered it dangerous. Regardless, there was a prevailing sense that the fight, once a captivating showdown, would not benefit either Joyce or Chisora. A victory for Joyce against Chisora would not be considered one of his top five career wins at this point. On the other hand, even though defeat does not discourage Chisora, there is a concern that winning, a possibility that cannot be ruled out, would somehow be worse for him at this stage than experiencing a loss.
After all, if Chisora refuses to stop on account of setback, there is every chance that should he win a fight it will only prolong what many have said he shouldn’t be doing at his age: fighting professionally. Then again, to play devil’s advocate, maybe beating Joyce would represent the one big win Chisora, 34-13 (23), now chases. Maybe, should he achieve it, he would at last find some sort of contentment and be able to hang up the gloves and prepare for what we all know will be a far tougher fight for Chisora than even some heavyweight ones of late.
Derek Chisora, like many professional boxers, understands the inherent risks of retirement. This is likely the reason why he continues to compete. The danger of retirement is often underestimated and can be more threatening than any opponent faced in the ring. Referred to as the “unknown,” this danger lurks in the desolate corridors of fight venues or the empty car park after everyone else has left. It constantly looms, ready to confront retired boxers with the dreaded question: “What comes next?”
Stephen Dunkley of Queensberry represents Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora.
Chisora’s ability to avoid acknowledging its existence for such a long time is impressive yet troubling. He accomplished this by consistently providing entertainment, whether it be through pre-fight or in-fight antics, regardless of the outcome. At a crucial moment, he transformed himself into “War” Chisora, shedding his previous persona as “Del Boy”. This rebranding played a significant role in the narrative of Derek Chisora’s career. It is now evident that the intention behind labeling him as “War Chisora” was to assure people that his growing vulnerability was not a cause for concern, but rather a testament to his ability to deliver what he and his team promised. As they would say, “It’s all in the nickname. He lives up to expectations.”
Chisora’s exploitation by individuals who should have had more knowledge can be argued in this regard. However, it is important to note that he is not alone in experiencing this, as many others have faced similar circumstances. Nevertheless, it can be said that Chisora, arising during the present era, has been more conscious of his exploitation and the role he has played in it compared to those who came before him. This is a time when boxers are believed to possess greater power, awareness, and control over their own future.
The infantilization of Derek Chisora is likely unnecessary now. Regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, he is well aware of his actions and, being a 40-year-old man, he is capable of making his own choices and facing the consequences, regardless of what they may be. His brain and his life belong to him, and he has the freedom to do whatever he pleases with both.
Moreover, the same people constantly telling him to quit will not be around to entertain Chisora when, in retirement, his empty days seem much longer than they were before. Nor for that matter will they be around when Chisora is unable to recall the better days, the ones only these people who urged him to stop can properly remember. By then, regret is something shared but never mentioned.
“On Wednesday, Chisora confidently stated, ‘Joe (Joyce) and I are not the type to go backwards. My belief is that after our fight concludes, one of us will have significantly fewer brain cells in their mind.'”
Frank Warren, the promoter of Joyce vs. Chisora, expressed his hope that the situation described would not come to pass.
“No, that is the case,” argued Chisora. “Let’s be honest.”
And he is right, too: it is the case. Like it or not, paying to either stage or watch a Derek Chisora fight in 2024 means you are both helping him financially and complicit in his inevitable demise; a paradox enabled by the bizarre cult around him, with every chant of “Ohhhhh Derek Chisora…” serving as both a celebration of his bravery and his mournful exit music.
“I did advise him a while ago to retire,” Warren told Boxing News, “but he doesn’t want to retire. I think this fight, because they are close in age, evens it out. Whatever happens, the loser is really going to struggle to do anything in the future.”
There are a few possible interpretations of the final comment, but it seems likely that Warren meant it solely in relation to the future professional endeavors of each boxer. However, the reality remains unchanged: the outcome of Derek Chisora’s fights in 2024 holds the same significance regardless of winning or losing. If he loses, his value decreases, albeit reluctantly, and he becomes more accessible for promoters to negotiate with. On the other hand, if he wins, any false beliefs will persist, leading him into another bout, another payday, and another press conference where his words will be perceived not as confident statements but rather as a plea for assistance.
