Frank Warren backs veteran boxer for Daniel Dubois title fight in stark contrast to his comments three years ago

Frank Warren wants to see Daniel Dubois defend his title against the top heavyweight challenger later this year.

Daniel Dubois is the reigning IBF Heavyweight Champion and started his reign in impressive fashion when he beat Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in 2024.

While a rematch between Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk has been put on hold, new challengers have been found for his IBF Heavyweight Championship for later this year, with one opponent in particular looking likely.

While this new fight may be controversial to some, the challenger has more than earned his shot after an impressive career in boxing.

Frank Warren admits Derek Chisora earned his title fight against Daniel Dubois

Derek Chisora is the top contender for Dubois’ world title after beating Otto Wallin, and wants his 50th and final bout in boxing to be a fight against Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

Despite Don Charles being against Chisora fighting Dubois, promoter Frank Warren welcomes the fight despite concerns over the Briton’s age going into the bout, in an interview with Ring Magazine.

Warren said: “It’s mandatory, he’s got to. He got to be the mandatory by winning fight. You know, he got there by being the number one because he beat Joe, which was an eliminator for that.

“So, he’s there by merit. He’s licensed by the Boxing Board of Control. He has all these medicals. Do I like guys at a certain age fighting? No, I’m not really into it.

“And I was—let’s get it right—a couple of years ago, I was calling for him to retire. But having said that, he certainly proved me wrong.”

The fight with Dubois would be the 50th fight of Chisora’s career, of which he has won 36.

Warren called for Chisora’s retirement back in 2022

These comments by Warren are in stark contrast to what he said about Chisora three years ago.

After Chisora lost to Tyson Fury in 2020, Warren suggested on Queensbury Promotions that he should hang up his gloves and retire from the sport for good.

Warren said: “Derek now, and I don’t mean this disparagingly or being disrespectful to him, he should retire now. I hope he’s got money.

“I hope he’s made a lot of money in the sport, and I hope he comes out of it with his marbles all in tact. He’s been a great servant for boxing.

“He’s had some great fights, been involved with nearly everybody who’s been around. Now’s the time I think to put his feet up and enjoy his two little girls, his wife, and his family life.”

Luckily Chisora ignored that advice and could end his career as the WBO Heavyweight Champion as a consequence.