Derek Chisora says he’s not done yet after win over Gerald Washington

Derek Chisora isn't about to retire despite calls to do so. He reacted defiantly following his points win over the Californian-born Gerald Washington at London’s O2 Arena. It was a fight he was expected to win but he never had it his own way despite being on home soil.

He had to endure a nasty cut to his right eye, which was examined by a doctor after round four, and after showing trademark grit and determination, had to battle through a mini-revival from his opponent in the final rounds. While the partisan crowd was in no doubt who should take the victory, others felt Washington’s late-round comeback was enough to sway the win towards the Americans.

Challenge Accepted

Few expected the fight to prove so challenging for Chisora. From the outset, he was a huge favourite with the bookies. This was evidenced by the fact that he was priced at odds of 1/6 in the outright markets, according to brands like bet365. Though some would have likely considered a cheeky punt on a strong outsider, and may have taken advantage of a bonus code or two on online betting bet365 platforms, few felt Washington was going to upset the applecart.

All the pundits fancied the Brit from the outset. After all, the American was coming into the fight off the back of two straight defeats and only two wins in his last seven fights. Chisora, on the other hand, had impressed in his loss to Tyson Fury on his last time in the ring having previously beaten the towering Bulgarian, Kubrat Pulev.

Chisora, who has twice challenged for the WBC heavyweight title, showed his strengths in the opening exchanges, connecting with a few heavy hooks. Having walked out to the sounds of Hotel California and dressed head to toe in pink, there was an air of confidence about him. But Washington had success with his long reach and landed a few jabs of his own. He particularly enjoyed going on the counterattack as Chisora tried to maintain the front foot.

Where It All Went Wrong

Up until his bloodied eye, Chisora was probably behind in the fight. But after the fifth, he began to dominate a tiring opponent. Despite some late flourishes from the American, the judges scored the fight 98-93, 97-94, 96-94 in favour of “Del Boy”.

In no uncertain terms, Chisora is adamant this isn’t his last fight. He reacted angrily when pressed by journalists. “I’m not stopping,” he said when speaking to iFL TV. “It’s not time yet.” His latest bout was his 47th as a professional. “I’ve got three more fights, then I’m out.” It’s understandable the man who was born in Harare, Zimbabwe wants to reach 50 fights.

It remains unclear who Chisora will enter the ring with next. He had said he wanted to fight Anthony Joshua this year but AJ’s got others in his sights now. Perhaps more likely will be a bout with WBO interim champion, Zhilei Zhang, after the Chinese southpaw caused an upset with his TKO of Joe Joyce. Whoever it proves to be, the boxer, currently the ninth-best active heavyweight in the world according to BoxRec, believes he’s got plenty left in the tank.