Having twice unsuccessfully challenged for world honours, British heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora now looks unlikely to become a world champion, but ‘Del Boy’ has revealed that he recently turned down the opportunity to fight for a world title at the age of 42.

Chisora came up short against Deontay Wilder back in Aprilin a fight that was supposed to be his career finale, but still rumours of a return refuse to burn out, much like Chisora’s thirst for violence.

Nevertheless, Chisora has now been removed from the world rankings with all four recognised governing bodies, with his dream of finally claiming a world title – following previous failed attempts against Vitali Klitscko (2012) and Tyson Fury (2022) – looking all but over.

Speaking to Seconds Out though, Chisora has confirmed that he was offered a tempting shot at Murat Gassiev’s WBA heavyweight crown when Tony Yoka pulled out of their fight last week, but that he declined due to a lack of preparation.

“No, it didn’t cross my mind [to step in on short notice]. I was on holiday with the kids and then I got a phone call. I said, ‘I am going to Russia anyway, I would rather go and watch somebody else fight for it,’ – erm, liar!

“This is exactly what I did, KD [David Ghansa] called me, Nicole [Macdermott] called me and the numbers were ok. Then, I went and did a fitness test and my fitness test was not right, so I said, ‘You know what? just let it go,’

“I was not ready. Mentally, I was ready, but then you get in there and it’s like boom, boom, boom and you are like ‘What am I doing this for?’.”

Instead, the opportunity landed at the feet of Germany’s Peter Kadiru, but he was unable to capitalise and was halted after six rounds of one-sided action in Moscow, before Gassiev proceeded to call on a fight with Chisora during the post-fight interview.

“I want to fight you. We can fight next,” Broner said on social. “I know you’re getting nice fights, but you ain’t going to get as much money as you will fighting me. You’re about that money, right? Fight me. I’ll take your belt. Do he got a belt? Whatever he got, I’ll take it.”

Adrien also contrasted Ryan’s career with his own, pointing to his knockout loss and accusing him of quitting while insisting he has never been stopped.

“You got knocked out. You got stopped. I ain’t never got stopped, not ever against no matter who I fought,” Broner said. “You done quit.”

The 36-year-old then shifted from boxing to their personal relationship, saying Ryan had leaned on him during difficult times but failed to return the favor.

“When you were going through your s***, you was calling me, and I was answering every time,” Broner said. “So, don’t be on no fake s*** now.”

He closed by claiming Garcia had the resources to help him but chose not to.

“You call your people, and my people are ready. I ain’t with nobody. I’m doing this from the ground up,” Broner said. “If you felt that way about me, you would have came and picked me up. You had the money, right? You didn’t come and pick me up.”

Broner has not fought since his unanimous decision win over Blair Cobbs in June 2025 and has repeatedly called for high-profile opponents as he attempts to revive his career. Whether Garcia has any interest in the matchup remains to be seen, but Broner made it clear he’s looking for a title shot rather than a tune-up.

Adrien Broner just went OFF on Ryan Garcia and says he wants to fight him next 🗣️

“You got knocked out… I want to fight you next… I’ll take yo belt.

When you was going through your sh*t, you was calling me, and I was answering everytime.” pic.twitter.com/dE4EJokKME

— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) July 13, 2026

The Matchroom Boxing card streams live on DAZN this Saturday, July 18, from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. In the co-feature, lightweight contender Andy Cruz will face late replacement Abraham Montoya (24-7-1, 14 KOs)) after Albert Bell withdrew to accept a world title shot against WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason.

Cruz, who many fans believed did enough to defeat IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla before dropping a disputed 12-round majority decision last January, had been scheduled to meet Bell in what was widely viewed as a more compelling matchup. Bell’s withdrawal forced Matchroom to find a replacement on short notice, with Montoya getting the opportunity.

Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs) enters the fight looking to continue his rise toward a world title shot while beginning his partnership with McGirt, one of boxing’s most accomplished trainers. Aleem (22-4-3, 14 KOs) is an experienced veteran who has shared the ring with several respected contenders and will look to derail Pacheco’s momentum.

Cruz (6-1, 3 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, remains one of boxing’s most highly regarded lightweight contenders despite the controversial loss to Muratalla. A victory over Bell would have strengthened his case for another title opportunity, but Bell’s decision to pursue a championship fight changed those plans.

The opponent switch drew criticism from some fans on social media, with many describing the revised matchup as a mismatch and expressing disappointment that Cruz would no longer face Bell. Others questioned the overall strength of the doubleheader.

However, the change was not Cruz’s doing. Bell withdrew after landing a title shot against Mason, leaving Matchroom to secure an available replacement rather than remove Cruz from the card. While Montoya may not generate the same interest as Bell, Cruz can still make a statement with an impressive performance and move himself closer to another lightweight title opportunity.