Inside the collapse of Dillian Whyte vs Derek Chisora III as fresh plans hatched

Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora looked set to renew their hostilities at the back end of the year.

Frank Warren, a promoter who usually keeps his cards close to his chest, disclosed plans for the pair to headline a Queensberry show on December 13 in Manchester.

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The British boxing stalwarts were even welcomed on stage to talk up the clash just before Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker made their way to the ring at the O2 Arena last month.

Then, out of nowhere, reports emerged that the fight was off.

No reason was provided for the sudden collapse at the time, although Whyte’s manager, Michael Ofo, has now shed some light on the situation.

During an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.com, Ofo declared that Chisora was to blame for the fight falling by the wayside.

However, he insists that they are currently working towards re-booking the domestic dust-up for early next year.

Why did Dillian Whyte vs Derek Chisora III fall apart?

“That’s a fight that Dillian wants, that is a fight that we want, and it’s a fight we are pushing for in the first quarter of next year,” said Ofo.

“There is no hold up from our side, the pens are ready to sign that fight if the business is correct.

“If you look at Dillian’s career, he has fought the top guys of his era; he has never been afraid to fight anybody.

“And there is no reason why he would be scared to fight Derek Chisora, he has already beaten him twice.

“So we know that the obstacle is Derek. We were willing to fight on December 13, but Derek didn’t want it.

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“You would have to ask Derek why he didn’t want to fight. Dillian was ready to turn the gears up in training.

“It has nothing to do with Dillian and all to do with Derek.”

What happened in the previous two fights?

Whyte defeated Chisora in both of their previous meetings.

The first bout, in December 2016, ended in a controversial split decision before ‘The Bodysnatcher’ took the fight out of the judges’ hands two years later, courtesy of a vicious left hook in the eleventh round.

Both men are now in the twilight of their respective careers, with Chisora declaring that his next fight will be his last.

The soon-to-be 42-year-old has undergone something of a career revival over the last few years.

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After coming up short in four of his previous five outings, Chisora has since strung together a three-fight winning streak over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin.

By contrast, Whyte is looking to rebound from a one-round blowout at the hands of Moses Itauma in August.