SOMETHING happens to Derek Chisora in July. It’s hard to know exactly what, but historically, in July his relevance increases, the spotlight shines on him more intensely, and Chisora himself operates at maximum capacity; selling power, pulling power, punching power.
Indeed, it is in July that Chisora tends to produce some of his best work and some of his best results. In July, Chisora thrives and comes alive, a spectacle never more important than today, when so many consider him, in boxing terms, to be dead at 40.
In fact, if there’s anything that’s likely to spark something in Chisora at this stage, it’s probably the prospect of a big fight in July. Of course, he’s been through this countless times in the past, and it’s true that fighting in July often works to his advantage.
In 2022, for example, a July win over Kubrat Pulev breathed new life into a career many thought was over, with the comfort of fighting at the O2 Arena, his favourite venue, seemingly giving Chisora a boost that night. It wasn’t pretty, no, nor did the win over Pulev give us any reason to believe Chisora had been resurrected in any way, but he still pulled out the stops when he really needed them; doing so in his favourite month and at his favourite venue.
There was also a stunning knockout in July of Artur Szpilka – in 2019 – that many would argue was the last time we saw Chisora at his explosive, destructive best. Like Pulev’s win, the second-round Szpilka knockout took place at London’s O2 Arena, but, Unlike After Pulev’s win, there was a sense that Chisora had the drive and power and was still capable of living up to his “War” nickname in the latter stages of his fighting career.
Before that, and again in July, we all watched as Chisora knocked out Carlos Takam in dramatic fashion in the eighth round of a back-and-forth brawl in 2018. Once again, it was vintage Chisora, the unbearable heat of a July night at the O2 Arena unleashing something wild and ferocious within him and ultimately empowering him to turn the tables when things looked to be going haywire in the eighth round. The winner of his career in many ways, Chisora will build his reputation on victories like the one over Takam; his ability to rally and win from the jaws of defeat has proven to be both a blessing and a curse in what has become, for Chisora, a precarious game of longevity.
Dereck Chisora defeated Kubrat Pulev (Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
By the way, you’ll also find other Chisora wins in July. Some decent wins and some routine wins. You’ll also soon discover a few big fights and some big losses, both crushing and career-defining.
For example, the first time he fought Tyson Fury was on a night in July 2011. It is worth noting that this fight took place at Wembley Arena rather than the O2 Arena, but it is hard to say whether this had any bearing on the outcome. In fact, the much smaller Chisora was a step behind Fury for much of the British and Commonwealth heavyweight title fight, although he was far more competitive that night in July than he was when they shared the ring in their subsequent two encounters.
Likewise, Chisora’s fight with David Haye at Upton Park, West Ham’s old home, on a July night in 2013 had no impact on the outcome there. Instead, it was the left hook that Haye used to break Chisora’s chin in the fifth round that proved to be the deciding factor, and when it landed, it seemed to have ended not only the pair’s rivalry but any chance of Chisora continuing to be a title contender in the future.
Derek Chisora (Getty Images)
That he can defy this expectation is a testament to his reinvention, one might suggest. Because no matter what happens to him in a fight, and no matter how many miles are added to his clock in the process, Chisora has developed a knack for coming back to life when needed; usually in July, and usually at the O2 Arena. In fact, in that month and at that venue, whatever remains of Derek Chisora can often be found. It can be found in the slow movement of his feet and hands and it can be found in the “Oooooooh Derek Chisooooooraaaaa” sounds that come from fans eager to keep him plugged in and charged, reluctant to accept that his batteries are dead.
This July in particular has been a big month for Chisora, 34-13 (23). If he hadn’t backed Nigel Farage and his Reform Party before the general election, he would have been caught on camera headbutting a Deliveroo rider in Hampstead for cycling on the pavement. In other words, he’s been preparing. He’s itching for something to happen and he’s itching for a fight. He knows the moment is coming and the moment is running out.
Indeed, with perhaps just one fight left in July, and just one more at the O2 Arena, Chisora’s next opponent, Joe Joyce, should at least be wary of what might happen this Saturday (July 27) when the pair meet in a 12-round heavyweight bout of dubious merit and flavour. Because even if his time is up, which it surely is, all the elements are there for Chisora on Saturday to remind him of both better times and a time when summer had less chance of rain.
