Britain's Fallen Champ Criticizes 'Institutionalised' Rival's Manchester Fight
Last month, former Interim WBC heavyweight champion, Dillian Whyte, expressed his desire to complete his trilogy against Derek Chisora as part of his comeback. Whyte, famously known as ‘The Body Snatcher,’ faced significant turmoil after testing positive for steroids just before his fight against Anthony Joshua in August 2023. The situation had placed a question mark over his career, but in a surprising turn of events, the Texas Boxing Commission cleared him of any wrongdoing in March this year. This development rekindled Whyte’s ambitions and fueled his comeback spirit.
Two weeks after his exoneration, the Port Antonio native made a statement by defeating Christian Hammer in a one-sided showdown. His victory announced his readiness to resume his march toward the top of the heavyweight division. Now, Whyte stands poised for his second fight since that controversial positive test—scheduled for December 15 against Ebenezer Tetteh in Gibraltar. This, according to Whyte, will serve as his last warm-up before stepping up to more serious competition in 2024.
However, Whyte’s ambitions also included an emotional and personal challenge—to complete his trilogy against Derek Chisora, a saga that had captured the hearts of boxing enthusiasts everywhere. The two fighters, who had previously clashed in two unforgettable contests, seemed destined for a third bout. Yet, those hopes were dashed when Derek Chisora chose a different path. Chisora’s decision to fight Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin in February 2024, which might also serve as his final fight, has left Whyte enraged.
During a recent interview with Adam Catterall of talkSPORT, Dillian Whyte did not mince his words when asked about the fight. He expressed his frustration over being passed over for Wallin, whom he described as “awkward and tricky,” but also as someone who “brings no value.” Whyte openly criticized Chisora, stating that he did not understand the rationale behind selecting Wallin, who was recently knocked out by Anthony Joshua.
In Whyte’s words, “Fighting Otto Wallin, it’s a lose-lose fight for Derek. Wallin is a tricky, awkward opponent, but he doesn’t bring the kind of hype that our trilogy would.” According to Whyte, Chisora’s choice was a missed opportunity to give the fans what they truly wanted—a definitive conclusion to their fierce rivalry, a match that could fill arenas.
The Betrayal of a Rivalry
Whyte’s dismay over Chisora’s decision was evident as he shared how he felt betrayed by his rival’s choice. He described how their rivalry had all the makings of a classic trilogy and could have provided Chisora with the perfect send-off from the sport. “Me and him, we’ve got history,” Whyte asserted. “The fans would love to see it, and we’d sell out venues. Me and him could’ve fought in Manchester this February. I could have fought Tetteh in December and still been ready for Chisora.”
The 36-year-old emphasized that despite having his December fight lined up, he would have rearranged his plans to face Chisora early next year. The desire to complete the trilogy was not just professional but deeply personal for Whyte—a culmination of years of rivalry and heated battles. Whyte believed that the fight against Chisora would not only have provided fans with the closure they sought but would also have cemented their legacy in the annals of heavyweight boxing history.
Chisora’s decision, however, appears to have left Whyte feeling betrayed. As he said, “What Derek thinks and what’s reality are two different things.” Whyte hinted that Chisora might be underestimating Wallin or overestimating the appeal of their upcoming bout. In his eyes, the decision to fight Wallin instead of completing their trilogy is a significant blunder.
Is This the End of an Era?
The impending bout between Derek Chisora and Otto Wallin will take place in Manchester, the same venue where Chisora and Whyte first faced off—a fact that only adds salt to Whyte’s wounds. “Talk about a snub, huh?” Whyte remarked during the interview, making his disappointment abundantly clear.
The 40-year-old Chisora is nearing retirement, and Whyte believes that their third fight would have served as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable chapter in both of their careers. Whyte’s frustration isn’t just about missing out on a fight; it’s about the missed opportunity to create history and bring a story—their story—to a satisfying end. The two previous fights between Whyte and Chisora were some of the most brutal yet thrilling bouts in recent heavyweight history, with Whyte emerging victorious both times. Still, their fierce competition drew fans from all over, making a third fight a tantalizing prospect.
Now, instead of seeing two seasoned rivals clash for a final time, fans will witness Chisora take on Otto Wallin. Wallin may be talented, but he doesn’t bring the same level of anticipation and excitement as a Whyte vs. Chisora trilogy. One can’t help but wonder if this decision by Chisora is a reflection of the end—perhaps a fighter seeking an easier path to retirement instead of one last defining challenge.
As Dillian Whyte prepares for his upcoming fight against Ebenezer Tetteh, he keeps an eye on Chisora, still hoping that perhaps—just maybe—fate might bring them together again. Until then, fans are left to ponder what might have been.
Final Thoughts
What do you think about Dillian Whyte’s statements? Has Derek Chisora made the right call by choosing Otto Wallin for his potential last fight, or is he letting a golden opportunity slip away? As these two veterans of the ring continue their respective journeys, it seems that one rivalry remains unsettled, at least in the eyes of ‘The Body Snatcher.’
