Dereck Chisora will now face Liverpudlian heavyweight David Price on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series super-lightweight final between Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis on October 26 at the 02 Arena, instead of Joseph Parker who was forced out of the bout through illness.
Price (25-6, 20 KO’s), who was scheduled to fight in Liverpool on November 23 on the Callum Smith vs John Ryder undercard, reignited his career earlier this year with a stunning win over fellow Brit Dave Allen inside 11 rounds and he’ll be hoping he can improve on that result against Chisora.
Speaking to Matchroom Sport, Price said: “I'm very excited for this fight - Derek is a great competitor and I’m sure he’ll bring the best out of me. I kept in the gym all summer because I had a feeling I had to be ready for a call like this, and ready I am.”
Fan favourite Chisora (31-9, 22 KO’s), was a little more blunt about his new dance partner and made it very clear he's only got one outcome in mind.
"It didn’t matter who got in the ring with me on October 26th I’m ready for WAR. Parker b*tched out, it’s like he thinks he is Peter Parker not Joseph Parker with his Spider-Man excuses. It’s cool, let him do his thing," said Chisora.
He added: "David Price has stepped up and I’m ready for whatever he brings. If he thinks I’m just going to stand there and be a punch bag like Dave Allen he is in for a shock. This is north versus south and in my hometown, I write the rules. Saturday 26th October get ready to scream TIMBER!"
Chisora’s fan-friendly style has seen him involved in a few humdingers in recent years, including his wars with Dillian Whyte and Carlos Takam, and fight fans can feel pretty confident that we’ll see a few fireworks when these two big Brits come face-to-face at the end of the month.
Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have such a brilliant new fight lined up for October 26th. Everyone was so disappointed to see Joseph Parker have to pull out of his clash with Derek Chisora, but this is the unpredictability and excitement of boxing - in steps big David Price. What a captivating dual this now is.
“Everyone has been stopping me to say get Pricey and Eddie has literally pulled a rabbit out of the hat. I told him I wanted a great replacement - this is fabulous. David is coming off that punch perfect win over David Allen; Derek off the stunning KO of Artur Szpilka - this is a cracking Heavyweight battle to add to one of THE cards of 2019 and October 26 is set to be a magnificent night on Sky Sports Box Office at The O2.”
Matchroom Sport boss Eddie Hearn was similarly enthused about the upcoming all-British bust-up, adding: “I’m delighted to get this fight over the line, It’s a huge all British Heavyweight fight on what will be one of the biggest boxing nights of the year."
