After names like Zhilei Zhang and Jarrell Miller were floated as possible opponents, it now appears that Derek Chisora may face a more familiar rival for his milestone 50th professional bout.
Set for December 13 in Manchester under the Queensberry Promotions banner, Chisora’s opponent has yet to be officially confirmed — but the latest word points to a potential trilogy bout with Dillian Whyte.
Just over a week ago, it seemed Olympic silver medallist Zhilei Zhang was the front-runner, despite having not fought since a sixth-round TKO loss to Agit Kabayel in February. Talks then appeared to shift toward Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, with the American heavyweight emerging as the next likely candidate. The two were even in discussions for a fight earlier this year, though Chisora instead ended up facing and outpointing Otto Wallin in February.
Now, according to former manager David Haye, it’s Dillian Whyte who could be stepping in. Speaking to SunSport, Haye revealed: “Him and Dillian Whyte are doing a third fight. So I’m looking forward to that sort of Christmas cracker, that one will be.”
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Chisora (36–13, 23 KOs) and Whyte (29–3, 19 KOs) have shared the ring twice before in two memorable all-British clashes. Their first bout in 2016 ended in a controversial split decision win for Whyte after a brutal toe-to-toe battle. The rematch in late 2018 saw Whyte close the show with a stunning 11th-round knockout.
Since then, both fighters have experienced mixed fortunes. Whyte’s recent performances have been far from convincing, most notably suffering a first-round knockout loss to rising prospect Moses Itauma in August. Chisora, meanwhile, is aiming to go out with a bang in what he’s said will be the final fight of his career.
If confirmed, the third chapter in the Chisora–Whyte rivalry could provide one last war between two battle-tested heavyweights — a fitting, if bruising, send-off for the man they call “War.”
