Simon Jordan Says Derek Chisora Doesn’t Deserve Murat Gassiev Fight

The talkSPORT pundit says fighters coming off defeats should not receive heavyweight championship opportunities ahead of deserving contenders

Simon Jordan says Derek Chisora has not earned a shot at Murat Gassiev’s WBA heavyweight title after losing his last fight. Jordan argued championship opportunities should go to contenders who have won their way into position, not fighters coming off defeats.

The discussion followed Gassiev’s sixth-round stoppage of Peter Kadiru in the first defense of his full WBA heavyweight title. Chisora entered the ring afterward and was later seen with IBA president Umar Kremlev. That meeting led to speculation that he could challenge Gassiev next.

Jordan made it clear he isn’t on board with that idea.

“Derek Chisora shouldn’t be in the running there. It should be the fighters that have earned their way to the top,” said Simon to talkSPORT Boxing.

“It’s the old rule that you can’t fight for the world title coming off a loss unless it’s a rematch for the same belt. I think that doesn’t apply anymore.

“As long as they’re in the top 10 or 15 of the rankings you can do it, but we could see that fight, Gassiev against Chisora. That could happen in Africa. I’m not going to run to watch that.”

Simon’s criticism involves merit rather than Chisora himself. The broadcaster argued that heavyweight contenders who have worked their way into position should receive title opportunities before fighters coming off defeats.

Chisora is coming off a 12-round split decision loss to Deontay Wilder last April, yet his popularity and willingness to take big fights continue to make him a name that promoters can market. Jordan acknowledged that boxing doesn’t always follow traditional rules when title fights are made, but he believes championship opportunities should still be earned through recent results.

It is still up in the air whether Gassiev will actually defend his belt against Chisora. If the fight does happen, Jordan has already made his stance crystal clear. He thinks Chisora simply has not earned a shot at the WBA heavyweight title.