Compared to prior meetings between the pair, today’s launch press conference for the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte was a relatively low key affair.
Aside from a couple of digs back and forth between Whyte and ‘AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn, things were kept relatively respectful despite the long and storied history of the two Londoners.
However, an interview with heavyweight Derek Chisora has raised eyebrows and generated headlines, as he claimed he will be returning to the ring on the undercard at the 02 on August 12th.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Chisora revealed:
“I’m actually boxing on this undercard! You heard it here first and you’ll here more when we announce it.”
‘Del Boy’ has been out of action since his defeat to Tyson Fury in their trilogy bout back in December, during which he sustained heavy punishment and at no point looked like troubling ‘The Gypsy King.’
There were questions of retirement put to Chisora after that night and, though he has never made an official statement regarding his future, some speculated that fans may have seen him box for the last time.
However, his comments today would indicate otherwise, though it can sometimes be difficult to decipher whether or not Chisora is on the wind-up.
Another heavyweight who had been likely to fight on the undercard was IBF number one ranked fighter, Filip Hrgovic. He had been linked to a clash against Aussie, Demsey McKean, but with this announcement fans are speculating that Chisora could end up being the man to take on the unbeaten Croat.
Anthony Joshua takes on Dillian Whyte at London’s O2 on August 12th live on DAZN PPV.