Derek Chisora ‘wouldn’t change anything’ as curtain comes down on career

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British heavyweight Derek Chisora would not change anything about his eventful career ahead of his 50th and final fight on Saturday night against Deontay Wilder at O2 Arena.

Zimbabwe-born Chisora (36-13, 23KOs) will bring the curtain down on a 19-year run in the professional ranks where he has produced controversy and laughs in equal measure.

Charged with assault in 2010, Chisora slapped and spat water at Vitali Klitschko, had a post-fight brawl with David Haye and flipped a table before a bout with Dillian Whyte, but over the past decade firmly established himself as a fan favourite for his guts, fight style and willingness to take a challenge.

“If I change anything when I’m starting out, I wouldn’t be here right now. Do you understand? You cannot change the future and say I wish I did this 10 years ago because if I did that, I might not be here. So, I wouldn’t change anything,” Chisora said.

“It’s special the whole week. Remember when I started people booed me, people didn’t love me and then afterwards they got to know me and love me.

“What you’ve got to understand is human beings, we’re just difficult to please. If they don’t know somebody, they hate that person.

“It happens a lot with me. People don’t know me, but hate me and when they actually get to know me, they are like, ‘oh wow, he’s actually a cool guy,’ so I knew they would come round.”

Chisora shared an amusing tale about an invite extended to old rival Whyte, which was met with an expletive-laden reply, but many of boxing’s fraternity will be present to watch the ‘last dance’ of the 42-year-old.

This fight could have taken place years ago, with Chisora’s old promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom eager to fix the bout in 2022, but it will occur with Wilder still dangerous and ensures ‘Del Boy’ adds another stellar name to a resume which contains Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

A friendship has been developed between the veteran duo in recent times but a knock-out finish was predicted by both Chisora and Wilder in Thursday’s final press conference.

Whatever happens, Chisora plans to officially hang up the gloves after he fights at O2 for an 11th time and will begin the next chapter of his life with an easter egg hunt for his two young daughters on Sunday.

“I feel sad and happy,” Chisora reflected.

“I never thought of the ending, I just thought about the next destination.

“I am just looking forward to Saturday. After Saturday it is Sunday and we will do a massive easter egg hunt at my house. I am planning that.

“My wife was like, ‘why are you planning that when you have a big fight?’ But I’m planning it for the kids because I want them to have a good time.”

Before Sunday’s easter egg hunt, Chisora’s two daughters will watch their dad fight one last time.

Chisora added: “It’s beautiful, amazing and it’s going to be one hell of a f****** fight.”