Chisora-Opetaia 2025 heavyweight clash eyed in Riyadh

Talks have surfaced of a potential 2025 showdown between British heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora and unbeaten IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia that could serve as Chisora's long‑planned 50th and final professional fight, according to Opetaia's manager and promoters linked to the proposed bout. The discussions involve Saudi entertainment chief Turki Alalshikh, who has publicly expressed interest in staging the matchup in Riyadh, and Chisora's promoters, Queensberry, though no contract has been signed.

Chisora, 41, who sits on 49 professional fights after recent wins including Otto Wallin, has repeatedly said he plans to retire after reaching 50 bouts. Opetaia, 30, is 28‑0 with 22 knockouts and currently holds the IBF cruiserweight title. His manager, Mick Francis, told Fox Sports Australia that he has spoken to Alalshikh and Queensberry and that the IBF indicated Opetaia would slot straight into the number three heavyweight ranking should he move up. Francis also warned that Chisora could be in danger in such a matchup, saying, I know Jai would hurt him, and suggested Chisora might price himself out of the fight.

Despite those public overtures, Opetaia has repeatedly...