Joe Joyce vs. Derek Chisora is the epitome of a fight that truly embodies the concept of a “crossroads” moment.
The combined age of the two Londoners is 78, and there is a compelling case that Chisora, with a record of 34-13 (23 KOs), should retire from competition. However, these concerns will be set aside as the two experienced heavyweight boxers take center stage at the O2 Arena in London for a Queensberry Promotions event on July 27.
Chisora has built a memorable relationship with the venue, having competed there nine times within the past nine years. Noteworthy triumphs against Kubrat Pulev and Artur Szpilka, with the latter resulting in a remarkable second-round knockout, are standout moments in Chisora’s extensive track record. In his most recent appearance, the beloved fighter emerged victorious over American opponent Gerald Washington after a compelling ten-round battle.
Joyce, with a record of 16-2 (15 KOs), was once highly regarded as a potential world heavyweight champion. However, his hopes were shattered when he faced Zhilei Zhang twice and suffered consecutive defeats. These losses pushed him down the rankings, and his subsequent victory against an inferior opponent, Kash Ali, in March failed to restore faith in his abilities.
It would be challenging for Joyce to recover from a loss on July 27, but his adversary serves as evidence that one can revive their career, especially with a strong fan base.
Getty Images captured Derek Chisora after his valiant performance in his loss to Tyson Fury on December 3.
According to Promoter Frank Warren, he anticipates an exhilarating battle.
In a press release, he commented, “This truly feels like a classic heavyweight battle from the old school era, one that has been anticipated for quite a while.”
I recall that there was already a lot of discussion about it even before we partnered with Joe, and it has always seemed to me like a fight that was both natural and obvious.
The clash between two prominent figures from London, vying for a chance to reclaim their position at the forefront, guarantees an intense battle. The victor will regain their momentum, while the loser will find themselves without any viable alternatives.
The complete lineup for the undercard, which will feature Dennis McCann, Henry Turner, Archie Sharp, Sean Noakes, Aadam Hamed, and many others, will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.
