Editor’s Letter: Retirement remains the most feared opponent for men like Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora

WHEN you’re a boxing journalist, maintaining your integrity while not wanting to appear disrespectful to the boxers is a difficult balancing act. The upcoming third encounter between Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora ​​shows that closeness.

On the one hand, this contest is a mismatch that should not be taken. Fury won the first two rounds with Chisora ​​comfortably. The second time it became so one-sided that it was hard to track. While Chisora, now 38 years old, has always been a presence and sometimes intimidating force in the division, the reality is that he has lost most of his biggest battles – and suffered many punishments. all the way – take the third hit at the nasty Fury.

It may turn out to be an entertaining tidbit but the high probability that Chisora ​​will join another attack, regardless of the outcome, is at least unpleasant.

However, by stating all of the above, we are disrespecting the fighters and their wishes, at least in their opinion. That view is understandable. Chisora ​​devoted her life to the sport of boxing. He loves fighting, he admires the attention it brings. And after years spent cultivating the reputation he is now raving about, Chisora ​​took the lead in an English stadium match where he will challenge for the world title. . Therefore, the suggestion that he should have stopped fighting a long time ago, simply because we care deeply about his health and future, could be misinterpreted as disrespectful.

For Fury, a fighter we at boxing news long recognized as one of the best weightlifters out there, criticism of his picks – in this case, Chisora ​​is his newest opponent – has always been a personal insult. That’s not what we’re doing, of course.

But this is boxing, where any notion of denunciation from the writers is seen as unpleasant because of the effort the boxers have put in inside the ring and the dangers they face when fighting. there. In fact, we make similar points but in different ways. Please do not doubt how much we care.

Chances are that both fighters are closer to the end of their careers than they are to the beginning. One day not too far away, Chisora ​​will throw that flip for the last time. Fury will also realize his reaction has faded and all that awaits is the terrifying prospect of life beyond the ropes. So while we may complain about this competition – and frankly, we’re right – it’s also important to make it clear that we understand, as best as we can, what the sport is all about. for Fury and Chisora.

This week, an interview with Kell Brook caused a stir on social media. Nine months after he stopped Amir Khan from ticking every box in a great career, he told Boxing King Media how he feels about retiring. “[I was boxing for] 27 years. It was like I was dead, you know, because boxing was my life… I was a bit lost.” Financially secure and a family man, Brook nonetheless paints a vivid picture of how often the journey from the ring back to normal life becomes harsh.

Every retired boxer would return in a heartbeat if they could suddenly be blessed with the gifts of youth. So we certainly don’t judge people like Chisora ​​for taking advantage of every opportunity they can get, nor do we underestimate giving up on a sport that defines who they are. How difficult. While we express our concerns, we do so from the heart and, we hope, for the right reasons. After all, the afterlife of boxing only gets harder when so many punches have been swallowed up in the past.

There is still much to be desired for education around this issue; One only needs to look at the number of rounds that the fighters continue to fight backstage for proof. Meanwhile, sports like football are now going ahead to speak out about brain damage caused by headings.

One of the most revealing interviews in the build-up to Fury-Chisora ​​III was done by Carl Frampton as he talked to Tyson about his recent retirement that only lasted a few months. Fury – though seemingly at the peak of his form – earnestly admits that he cannot give up, that sport is such a powerful medicine that it is inevitable that he will fight for so long and lose his undefeated record. . He is currently preparing a final blow for Chisora, while fearing that one day he will also yearn for a similar strike.

On Saturday night, inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, old rivals will meet and do the only thing that makes them feel alive.

Tomorrow can wait, they hope. All they want to do today is fight.