THE CONTENDERS
DERECK CHISORA
Former WBC title challenger Age: 34 Record: 29-8 (21) Next fight: Dec 22, 2018 vs Dillian Whyte Outpointed Johnson over 12 rounds in February 2014
“That was an easy fight. I liked fighting him. I don’t rate him at all. I rate Dillian Whyte way higher than him. Of course Dillian will beat him in their rematch and this time he will stop him.”
DILLIAN WHYTE
Former British champion Age: 30 Record: 24-1 (17) Next fight: Dec 22, 2018 vs Dereck Chisora
Sparring partner
“He is one of my favourite fighters out there. I know Dillian personally and I like him. I like the way he trains. He trains really hard. He still has a lot to learn, but he’s developing and he’s tough. He’s ready for anything when he gets in there. Anthony Joshua got where he is by training hard and being prepared, and so can Dillian. He can win the world title. I think he can beat Joshua in a rematch, if he gets his training right.”
HUGHIE FURY
Former WBO title challenger Age: 24 Record: 21-2 (11) Next fight: TBA Sparring partner “I sparred him before I fought Anthony Joshua, and for years before that, me, Tyson and Hughie all sparred each other. His movement is sweet, beautiful, and he uses his jab more than any other heavyweight out there at the moment. He really believes in his jab. I thought he beat Pulev [Fury was outpointed last month]. He’s still young. He can come again.”
LUIS ORTIZ
Former WBC title challenger Age 39 Record: 29-1 (25) Next fight: Dec 1, 2018 vs Travis Kauffman Sparring partner
“Me and him have done a lot together over the last couple of years. I was with him a few weeks ago. He’s slick and very strong. I didn’t think Deontay Wilder would be able to stop him. It would be a great fight between him and Dillian Whyte. That would be a heavyweight [Marvin] Hagler versus [Thomas] Hearns.”
KUBRAT PULEV
Former IBF title challenger Age: 37 Record: 26-1 (13) Next fight: TBA Outpointed Johnson over 12 rounds in April 2017 “He’s very good – much more seasoned and experienced than a lot of fighters out there. He’s been around a long time. He’s very durable and punches at angles. He knows what he’s doing. He has a great style – I’d know because I’ve seen it from the inside! I think Pulev and Dillian Whyte are at the same level at the moment.”