Derek Chisora was overcome with emotion as he made his way to the dressing room before his fight with Otto Wallin.
‘WAR’ was stepping in the ring for the 49th time as a professional as he entered the arena to face rugged Swede Wallin.
TNT Sports BoxingChisora was in tears as he walked to the dressing room[/caption]
Chisora arrived into the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, in a bill that was given the moniker ‘The Last Dance’.
This was because the British boxing favourite had declared it would be his final fight on domestic UK shores.
He took a famous walk through the new venue knowing it was about to be one of his final ever times lacing up the gloves.
Chisora trudged through the corridor with the cameras all on him, but it clearly became too much.
The Finchley native was visibly emotional and covered his face.
He then leaned up against the wall overcome by emotions and still hiding himself from the camera.
It looked clear that Chisora had tears in his eyes as he then walked to the other side of the walkway.
He turned away again and appeared to be crying, with those around him looking sincere and stern.
No wonder the 41-year-old was emotional, given he was set to bring down the curtain on a stellar career in the ring.
It was to be a tough night overall against a formidable operator, but a fitting end if it is to be his last in a UK venue.
Chisora has lit up venues across the country including in Manchester and London, fighting the likes of Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker.
Despite imminent retirement, the durable and entertaining star has defied age and is on a two fight win streak having beaten Gerald Washington and Joe Joyce.
He has ignored calls to retire and is hoping to reach 50 fights, with his bout against Wallin now an IBF eliminator.
And talkSPORT pundit Spencer Oliver believes he deserves one last hoorah at the top of the sport, which could include a final career bow in Africa.
He said: “He is 41-years-old now, but he has become a bit of a national treasure, so he’s earned it.
“He’s boxed for a world title twice in elite fighters, so why not? I like the idea of that.
“He deserves it, but it is crazy, it could be an eliminator with Bakole and Ajagba fighting for that spot as well.
“And guess what if Chisora and Bakole come through, that could be the fight that happens in Africa.”
