'Last-chance saloon!' - Frank Warren underlines huge title opportunity for heavyweight stars

Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder could earn a mandatory shot at Oleksandr Usyk in Frank Warren's "last-chance saloon" bout.

The two heavyweight favourites meet at London's The O2 Arena on April 4, live on DAZN, for the former's reportedly last fight.

Peviously linked to world title shots against Fabio Wardley and Usyk, both men appear to be out of the conversation now.

Chisora was previously named as the IBF mandatory challenger to Usyk after a major victory over Otto Wallin in February last year.

The Ukrainian however moved to a unification fight with Daniel Dubois, before subsequently vacating the WBO strap to Wardley.

The Ring

Usyk was previously linked to a bout with Wilder too, but now has WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel looming on the radar instead.

Speaking after Chisora and WIlder met for media this week, Warren outlined that a win for either aging star puts them in the mix.

But the Queensberry Promotions boss underscored that any bid will ultimately rely on Usyk's decisions, as the star mulls his future.

"It's the last-chance saloon for one of them," he told Sky Sports News. "They're not youngsters who are going to come back again.

"It's definitely one of those fights. For somebody it's going to be all over for them. At their age, they're not going to recover from that.

"The IBF, they'll call for Usyk to defend. Usyk's been given consent by the WBC, who's the next one in, to have a voluntary defence.

"After that, he is supposed to fight Agit. We'll see what happens. The mandatories are being ordered and they'll have to be dealt with.

"They could well be that. Derek was in that position. What does Usyk want? Is he up for doing is he looking [at] a different direction?

"Usyk just wants a payday. He's stamped his mark in boxing. He's the heavyweight of the 21st century and that's where he's at."

Intrigue abounds with mandatory discussions

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

It feels like we've heard this story before. Derek Chisora could have been in line for a dream finale to his career several times now.

First, he was named the IBF mandatory challenger to old foe Oleksandr Usyk last year, in a bout that came to nothing for him.

Then, he was tipped to face WBO champion Fabio Wardley instead, while Deontay Wilder was linked to the Ukrainian's belts.

Now, both men instead meet in what could be a shootout for a world title shot - only there's no promise they get any prize too.

It's all a bit of a mess right now, as the heavyweight division roils amid the return of Tyson Fury and the arrival of a new guard.

Either way, Frank Warren isn't off the money when he calls this the last-chance saloon. Final orders are coming up - and only one will drink them.

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