
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Dereck Chisora trains during the Media work out at East Wintergarden on December 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Dereck Chisora trains during the Media work out at East Wintergarden on December 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
In the high-stakes world of boxing, a knockout punch isn’t the only thing that counts. Enter Derek Chisora, a heavyweight boxer with a reputation for straight talk. He recently weighed in on a contentious issue: Francis Ngannou’s inclusion in the WBC Top 10 rankings. Ngannou, a former UFC titan, now finds himself among boxing’s top contenders.
But why? Chisora’s answer might surprise you. It’s not just about the punches thrown in the ring. It’s about the business behind the bouts. What Chisora says next could challenge your view of the sport.
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Derek Chisora tells the hidden truth about rankings
Derek Chisora, known for his no-nonsense approach inside and outside the ring, has his sights set on a new challenge: Francis Ngannou. This comes in the wake of Ngannou’s impressive, albeit controversial, entry into the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) top 10 heavyweight rankings. The former UFC champion’s transition to boxing has been smooth even after losing to Tyson Fury. Chisora’s recent comments to IFL TV added fuel to this narrative.
In the interview, Chisora candidly expressed his views, stating, “Yeah man, you know I keep saying this man, if it makes dollar it makes sense. Why not put him in the rankings? Why? He can sell out stadiums and then people want to watch him. So that’s what happened. That’s why they put him in the rankings.”
This honest assessment reflects a broader trend in combat sports, where marketability often trumps pure pugilistic prowess. Clearly, Chisora understands the business dynamics of boxing, recognizing that a potential bout with Ngannou could be a lucrative affair and that is the bout he wants for himself.
Chisora equates a fight with Ngannou to life’s essentials
In a recent conversation with Boxing News, Chisora likened a bout with Ngannou to fundamental life experiences. “I want the fight, why not? Why do you eat food? Why do you go to the restaurant for? Why do you go on a plane for? You want to go on holiday, don’t you?” he asked.
This comparison reflects Chisora’s perspective on the fight as more than just a contest; it’s a vital, exhilarating part of his life’s journey, akin to the necessity of food and the thrill of a holiday. His remarks reveal a deeper insight into his motivations and the commercial dynamics of boxing.
Chisora recognizes the interplay of skill, spectacle, and business that drives the sport. As we ponder Chisora’s views, it leads us to question: How should the balance between the sport’s integrity and its entertainment value be struck? Is boxing evolving into an arena where marketability is as crucial as mastery?
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Watch this story: All We Know So Far About Potential Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder MMA Fight
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