Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren announced via press conference that former interim WBO heavyweight champion Joe Joyce will meet Derek Chisora atop a July 27th show at London’s O2 Arena.
Chisora, I should note, elected not to attend.
“The Juggernaut” (16-2, 15 KO) is looking to prove he’s still a factor after devastating losses to Zhang Zhilei last year. He started down the comeback trail against Kash Ali in March, but failed to impress en route to a literal last-minute stoppage. At 38 years old and with his signature durability seemingly compromised, it’s hard to see him claiming a belt once the Usyk vs Fury saga concludes and they scatter to the winds.
On paper, though, he should still be too much for the similarly weathered “Del Boy” (34-13, 23 KO). Chisora turned 40 last November and has dropped four of his last six, the only wins a controversial split decision over Kubrat Pulev and an unpleasant but decisive UD over Gerald Washington last August.
More interesting is the co-feature, which sees British super bantamweight champ Dennis McCann (15-0-1, 8 KO) rematch Romanian spoiler Ionut Baluta (16-4-1, 3 KO). Baluta, who’s long been one of the UK scene’s premier tripping hazards, battled “The Menace” to a technical draw last August.
Newly signed Aadam Hamed (1-0, 1 KO), son of Naseem, sees action as well.