Derek Chisora returns to battle Otto Wallin: Chisora is One gutsy guy

Years ago, I didn’t like Derek Chisora. I thought he was boorish, and his antics went too far.

In 2012, he slapped Vitali Klitschko and brawled in public with David Haye.

Four years later, during a press conference, he fired a table at Dillian Whyte. There’s more, but Chisora was either a mad fighter-promoter or flat-out mad.

Something changed a few years ago. Chisora was still mouthy, but after fighting Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, he broke bread (cheeseburgers) with his opponents. The moment was surreal (typical boxing) and enduring. I like the guy.

One thing every boxing fan had to love about Chisora is his guts. He’s a powerful guy who fights relentlessly and quickly looks exhausted, like a drunken elephant on whiskey.

But no matter what, he hangs in like a grim death.

There’s no quit. He eats punches and smiles. Boxing scribes have been advising Chisora to quit fighting for years – even after he wins bouts.

There have been brutal losses (13) and merciless wins (35).

Chisora will lace them up for the 49th time this Saturday against nice-guy Otto Wallin.

Wallin, from Denmark, has only lost twice in his career. He almost shocked the boxing world in 2019 when it appeared he had Tyson Fury on the verge of defeat.

Fury scored points in the early rounds with a flicking jab, but Wallin’s physical style and southpaw jab were an issue. The issue became a problem in round three when a Wallin left hook caused a cut over Fury’s right eye.

30-1 underdog Wallin targeted the bloody lamp. With the fight looking close to being stopped, Fury got to work. He strafed Wallin with blows, but the unheralded challenger refused to break.

Fury almost stopped Wallin in rounds 10 and 11. Wallin battled in the 12th round, but the decision went to Fury by scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 118-110.

Wallin won six fights in succession before facing Anthony Joshua in 2023. Many predicated Wallin would trouble the former champ, but Joshua was sharp. He rocked Wallin in the opening round and stopped him. Wallin was out of the ring for eight months before returning to stop Onoriode Ehwarieme last July.

Wallin, 34, is seven years younger and faster than the creaky Chisora. His jab is solid, but according to Chisora, he’s missing a crucial element all fighters should have.

“He’s a good fighter, but he lacks one thing, though, Chisora told boxing247.com and Wallin. “He hasn’t got a heart.“You’re a big guy, but you haven’t got it. ..you ain’t got the dog in you, mate, the animal in you.”

Wallin said nothing. Later, he was asked about Chisora’s comments.

“He’s just trying to rile me up backstage (in Saudi Arabia),” Wallin said.  “He did it to Joseph Parker at the press conference in London and I felt it was disrespectful.”

Chisora was having none of it.

“You got upset and I apologize for that. Will you shake my hand?” Chisora asked, who then pulled his hand away to taunt Wallin, “F-ck off.”

Same old Chisora? Not really. He’s a fighter.

Wallin’s style will be a problem.

Look for Chisora to share a cheeseburger with Wallin after the bout.