Chisora wants Fury vs Joshua for 117-year-old belt

Derek Chisora, the seasoned British heavyweight, is urging Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to settle their long-standing rivalry by competing for the historic 117-year-old British title, the Lord Lonsdale belt, rather than the WBA world heavyweight championship when they face off in Cardiff on December 11. The championship bout, which will be broadcast on Netflix, has been sanctioned by the WBA for its vacant "super" heavyweight title.

However, Chisora contends that the Lonsdale belt, established in 1909, would make for a more prestigious encounter. At an IBA conference in Turkey, Chisora made his case, stating, "It is a British fight between two heavyweights from Britain. I believe they should be fighting for the Lonsdale belt. It is better than any other belt right now."

He argued that the Lonsdale belt has fewer distinctions—no second champion—making it a more straightforward and appealing title to vie for. Richard Riakpohre, the incumbent British heavyweight champion, currently holds the title, which Chisora has previously held himself. Both Fury, 38, and Joshua, 36, have also previously been champion.

Chisora emphasized that no rematch clause is included in the fighters' contracts, which he believes should remain intact. He anticipates the loser will likely need time to recover, likely not partaking in another fight. Chisora predicted, "The loser is not going to fight for a while, because that guy is going to see a therapist."

He also predicted, "If AJ wins this fight, he is not doing a rematch. If Tyson Fury wins this fight, he is not doing a rematch." Chisora brings a wealth of experience to the bout, having lost three bouts to Fury and having mentored a young Joshua. He is confident in his prediction, stating, "I told AJ if you are trying to box this guy, it is a long night.

And AJ is going to knock him. AJ is going to knock Fury out." Fury and Joshua have both cleared their final hurdles in July, with Fury defeating Mariusz Wach and Joshua stopping Kristian Prenga. Chisora is also seeking a world title opportunity of his own, with negotiations underway for a December bout against WBA 'regular' champion Murat Gassiev.