Derek Chisora Promises Emotional Farewell Bout with Joe Joyce
For the past few years, any one of heavyweight fighter Derek “War” Chisora’s (34-13, 23 KO’s) fights could have been his last in the sport. Yet, on July 27, when Chisora takes on “Juggernaut” Joe Joyce (16-2, 15 KO’s), we now know this will be his final performance in the storied O2 Arena in Greenwich London. This is solid information as it was provided by the 40-year-old Chisora himself while taking part in a face-off with Joyce.
“It is an emotional night because this is my last fight at the O2 Arena; this is a very emotional night. So, you have to understand now what kind of man are you going to be fighting. He hasn’t realized it, he hasn’t gotten to the depth of exactly what is about to happen.“
BACK TO THE BRICKS
Of the two however, their impending clash has much greater implications for Joyce, ranked #8 (WBC), #10 (IBF) and #14 (WBO) more so than Chisora. Whether or not this is his last fight, War is clearly on the way out the door. Joyce, however, is still aching to become a champion and achieve much more in his boxing career. To make matters worse, Joyce is 1-2 over his last three prizefights.
Both losses were via knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang. This is especially dire for Joyce as a great deal of his appeal, and in-ring success, was generated by his iron chin. In the first duel, Juggernaut’s eye was damaged, swelled and forced the stoppage. In the rematch, five months later, Joyce was simply cold-cocked and knocked out.
If his chin has become something of liability, then getting in the ring with a wily, brutal Chisora who literally has nothing to lose could spell disaster for Joyce. On the other hand, provided that Juggernaut can get in there and dominate the old bull, then he could go a fair way to restoring his punctured reputation. Luckily, the fight and these answers are not far away!
Be the first to comment