Derek Chisora confirms December fight in England - WBA champ Murat Gassiev as potential opponent

Derek Chisora will fight in December fight in England

British heavyweight favourite Derek Chisora will make his next ring appearance on the International Boxing Association (IBA) platform in December, after IBA President Umar Kremlev confirmed the organisation will stage a bout for him in England.

With WBA Heavyweight World Champion Murat Gassiev publicly open to the fight, December could deliver the world-title opportunity Chisora has chased for more than a decade.

The announcement was made at an IBA press conference in Istanbul, where Chisora sat alongside Kremlev and IBA CEO and Secretary General Chris Roberts as the organisation set out its plans ahead of IBA Congress 2026 on 5–6 December. Opponent, venue and date will be confirmed in due course.

IBA President Umar Kremlev said: “Derek said he wanted to come and support the IBA, because he's happy with the way IBA is organising tournaments. And we promised him a bout. So we are going to organise a bout for Derek in England. Our doors are always open to anyone, and we are ready to organise top-level bouts in any country.”

Leading the way is Derek “Del Boy” Chisora (36-14), one of British boxing’s most enduring and colourful characters. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in London, the former British, Commonwealth and European Heavyweight Champion has challenged Vitali Klitschko for the WBC world title, shared the ring with Tyson Fury three times and taken Oleksandr Usyk the distance.

Known for his relentless pressure, granite chin and willingness to fight anyone, Chisora returns after a 50th professional fight against Deontay Wilder at The O2 in April that ended in a razor-close split decision. He hinted at retirement that night - but the fire is still burning.

Derek Chisora said: “What people have to understand is that what IBA does is unbelievable. I believe this goes deeper than what we're doing here right now. I believe it's going to get better and better. In December we'll be fighting.”

Standing in the opposite corner could be WBA Heavyweight World Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev (34-2), one of the most feared punchers of his generation.

The former IBF Cruiserweight World Champion and World Boxing Super Series finalist moved up to heavyweight and knocked out Kubrat Pulev in Dubai in December 2025 to claim WBA honours. He made his first defence on the IBA PRO 19 card in Moscow in July, stopping Hamburg’s Peter Kadiru in the sixth round. Gassiev has called Chisora a friend – a bond that adds an unusual edge to a potential clash between two men who have never shied away from a fight.

Chisora’s story is one of character as much as combat. Recalling his early days as a professional, when promoters struggled to sell tickets for a Zimbabwe-born fighter, he credited the late Dean Powell with the idea that changed everything: walking him out in a Union Jack to the Only Fools and Horses theme. In Chisora’s words: “And that was it. Del Boy was born.” It is that experience that makes him a passionate supporter of IBA’s new pathway from the amateur ranks to the professional game.

With December’s bout, IBA continues to build IBA PRO into a home for elite professional boxing, alongside its IBA ELITE pathway for amateur athletes and the inaugural IBA President’s Cup in Istanbul. IBA’s vision is to put athletes first – creating the conditions, opportunities and security that allow fighters to thrive at every stage of their careers.

British boxing fans and an international audience can look forward to the next chapter in one of the sport’s great careers, and possibly the world-title night Del Boy has waited for.

Further details on opponent, venue, tickets and broadcast will be announced soon.