Derek Chisora Announces December Comeback Fight to Mark Career Milestone

Veteran British heavyweight Derek Chisora is set to mark a major career milestone with his 50th professional bout scheduled for December 13 in Manchester.

The 41-year-old took to Instagram to share the news, teasing fans with a passionate announcement: “Let me tell you something. Are you ready? We are going back to Manchester, 13th of December – road to 50. Book your hotels, book your restaurants, me and Queensberry are coming to shut it down in Manchester… Opponent will be announced soon. I had one but the big boss took him… Road to 50 in Manchester, shutdown, Last Dance 2 happening in Manchester. War!”

While Chisora didn’t name the “big boss” who redirected his original opponent, many speculate he was referring to Turki Alalshikh, a powerful figure in global boxing promotion.

Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) last fought in February, defeating Otto Wallin by unanimous decision at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena. That bout was billed as The Last Dance, though it was only his 49th fight — making the upcoming December event a symbolic continuation.

Despite holding mandatory challenger status with the IBF, Chisora finds himself behind a long line of contenders seeking a title shot against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk — a man Chisora previously pushed to the limit in a competitive points loss in 2020.

In August, Jai Opetaia’s manager, Mick Francis, suggested a potential clash between Chisora and the undefeated Australian cruiserweight was on the radar of Alalshikh.

“Turki Alalshikh wants to make that fight with Chisora,” Francis told Fox Sports Australia. “Everyone knows that fight would be massive… Although, I’d hate to think how much money Chisora would want, because he’s going to get hurt. He’d be no match for Opetaia.”

Meanwhile, Frank Warren, Chisora’s promoter, previously floated the idea of a trilogy bout with Joseph Parker — who has beaten Chisora twice before — but that fight is off the table for now. Parker is scheduled to face Fabio Wardley on October 25 at London’s O2 Arena in a high-stakes clash for the WBO mandatory spot and WBA interim title.

It’s not yet confirmed whether Chisora will headline the December 13 card or share the spotlight with rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, who is also expected to fight before the year ends.

What’s clear, however, is that Chisora’s “Last Dance 2” promises fireworks — and likely a sell-out crowd in Manchester.