Derek Chisora: Brit hints at retirement after London showdown with Joe Joyce – ‘This is a farewell dance party’
Published 25/07/2024 at 19:05 GMT+1
Two of Britain’s top heavyweight boxers, Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora, will face off at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, July 27. With both veteran fighters coming towards the end of their careers, neither can afford to lose if they hope to earn any more lucrative nights in the ring. The fight will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with coverage starting at 19:00 BST.
‘It’s a sad day for me’ – Chisora hints at retirement as Joyce fight labelled ‘farewell dance party’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Derek Chisora has made a strong hint about his future, saying he is ready for his “farewell dance” in London when he takes on Joe Joyce at the O2 Arena.
The pair meet on Saturday, July 27 and you can watch the action live on TNT Sports.
Although he has not announced his retirement, Chisora, 40, has hinted he is nearing the end as he prepares for the 48th fight of his career.
The former European heavyweight champion has previously stated he will not walk away from the sport until he reaches 50 fights.
However, speaking ahead of his showdown with Joyce, Chisora said: “This is a farewell dance party for me at the O2 Arena.
“It’s a sad day for me that on Saturday. It’s hard to explain because I love the O2 so much and what a way to go out, at the O2 fighting Joe Joyce.
“It’s going to be unbelievable. Don’t even sit down, just stay stand up because I’m going to come and find my man,” he said.
For both fighters, defeat will almost certainly be the end in terms of their chances to headline another lucrative bout.
After staying patient, Joyce, 38, is excited to finally get in the ring with Chisora.
“It’s been a long time. It’s been a lot of years. I was going to fight him a lot earlier,” he said.
“I was very surprised when the fight was announced for me to actually fight Chisora so I jumped at the opportunity. I think our styles will mesh very well. I’m coming for all the action and all the glory.”
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Chisora has been involved in a war of words with Joyce’s team in the build up to their showdown, which led to several heated exchanges during their pre-fight press conference:
Joyce: You're not fighting my whole team, you’re fighting me.
Chisora: Yeah, I know. You don’t bother me, Joe. I’ve had how many fights now? This is fight 48.
Joyce: Yeah, your last fight, right?
Chisora: Compared to everybody I’ve boxed, I don’t lose sleep over you bro, so I’m not bothered. You’re nothing.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has boosted Chisora’s confidence after saying he has the biggest punch of all British boxers, saying it felt “like a baseball bat” when he hit him.
Despite this glittering reference from the best in the business, Joyce thinks he has the nous to seal victory in London.
“Yeah, I mean he can hit but I can also hit too. I’m not worried about that. All I’m worried about is what I’m going to be doing and how well I’m going to be boxing because I believe I’m the better boxer and I’ve got the better pedigree.”
How to watch Joyce v Chisora in the UK
Joyce v Chisora will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage of the fight night starting at 19:00 BST.
You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
The fight can also be live streamed on discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
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