Derek Chisora is one of heavyweight boxing’s most experienced active fighters. ‘Del Boy’ has shared the ring with some of the very best over his career.
From a trilogy of fights with Tyson Fury to Chisora’s latest win over Otto Wallin, the British veteran is a fan-favourite star.
The former world title challenger has not been able to call himself a champion, however, he has competed with some all-time greats.
Facing the likes of Vitali Klitschko and David Haye, Chisora has dealt with some heavy hitters throughout his career. However, it is an unlikely name that ‘Del Boy’ felt hit the hardest.
Derek Chisora names Paul Butlin as the hardest-hitting opponent he has faced
Chisora has been stopped four times across his professional career as he currently boasts a professional record of 36-13. Only three men have been responsible for these stoppages, as Fury delivered two knockout losses to Chisora.
Haye and Dillian Whyte are the other men responsible for Chisora not hearing the final bell. However, neither man hit as hard as Paul Butlin according to Chisora.
Although Butlin does not have the profile of other fighters on Chisora’s resume, the fighter said, “He hit me so hard I thought the referee needed to check his gloves,” in an interview with TalkSport.
“I will never forget when he went boom, boom… I’m like, ‘God man, someone needs to check this guy’s gloves,” Chisora added.
The power that Butlin possessed even warranted concern from Chisora’s corner, who told the fighter “You need to move, you can’t stand there.”
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Derek Chisora fought Paul Butlin twice in 2008 and 2009
Chisora came up against Butlin in the early stages of his career. For his fourth professional fight, a 24-year-old Chisora faced the 11-3 fighter in 2008. Despite Chisora’s comments, there were no knockdowns in the bout as ‘Del Boy’ won on points.
The pair would meet again the following year as Butlin now had a record of 12-8. Once again winning via points, Chisora’s record improved to 10-0.
Butlin retired from professional boxing in 2016, ending a 14-year career.
Despite Chisora feeling Butlin had impressive power, he earned just three knockout victories in his boxing journey. When he retired, Butlin had a professional record of 16-24-1, which included a loss to Anthony Joshua in 2013.