Manchester, UK - On February 8, 2025, Derek Chisora (34-13, 23 KOs) will step into the ring at Manchester’s Co-op Arena for what is being billed as The Last Dance—his final fight in the United Kingdom. While the 40-year-old British veteran hopes to leave on a high note, Otto Wallin (26-2, 14 KOs) has no plans of letting Chisora’s farewell tour go smoothly.

For Chisora, this fight represents the 49th bout of his long and grueling career, with the goal of one final fight to round it out to 50. For Wallin, this is about bouncing back after a one-sided loss to Anthony Joshua last December. The Swedish southpaw was dominated in that fight and is eager to prove he still belongs with the top tier heavyweights.

This is a crossroads fight, with both men needing a win to stay relevant in a shifting heavyweight landscape.

Few fighters in boxing today have had a career quite like Derek Chisora. Over nearly two decades, he has fought almost every major name in the heavyweight division, from Tyson Fury and Vitali Klitschko to Dillian Whyte and Oleksandr Usyk.

Coming off a surprising win over Joe Joyce, Chisora has one last mission—to go out on top. But Otto Wallin presents a much different challenge than Joyce. While Joyce was willing to engage in a slugfest, Wallin is a technical boxer who will use movement and range to frustrate Chisora.

At 40 years old, Chisora’s endurance isn't what it used to be, and Wallin’s hit-and-move strategy could make this a frustrating night. If Chisora struggles to cut off the ring, he could find himself chasing shadows and missing opportunities.

Otto Wallin’s career has been defined by close calls and near misses. He made headlines in 2019 when he pushed Tyson Fury to the limit, opening a massive cut over Fury’s eye that nearly stopped the fight. However, since then, he has struggled to secure marquee wins.

His last high-profile bout ended in disaster, as Anthony Joshua demolished him inside five rounds. The fight exposed Wallin’s inability to handle power punchers who pressure him early, raising questions about his durability at the highest level.

Against Chisora, Wallin will need to rely on his strengths—footwork, distance control, and accurate punching. If he can execute a disciplined game plan, he has the tools to win a decision. However, his tendency to tire in the later rounds could leave him vulnerable to Chisora’s late-fight surges.

For Chisora to Win:

✅ Close the distance early – Chisora cannot afford to let Wallin control the pace. He needs to pressure him from the opening bell.
✅ Make it a brawl – If Wallin is allowed to box on the outside, Chisora will struggle. He must force inside exchanges where he can land his big shots.
✅ Test Wallin’s stamina – Wallin has shown signs of slowing down in past fights. Chisora needs to drag him into deep waters and make the later rounds count.

For Wallin to Win:

✅ Stay disciplined – Wallin’s best strategy is to box smartly and not engage in unnecessary exchanges.
✅ Use the jab effectively – A strong jab will keep Chisora at bay and disrupt his forward momentum.
✅ Survive the late rounds – If Wallin slows down after round eight, Chisora could make him pay. Wallin must manage his energy and stay sharp for all 12 rounds.

One major factor in this fight could be hometown judging.

Chisora’s fight against Kubrat Pulev in 2022 was a controversial split decision win, with many believing Pulev had done enough to get the nod. If this fight goes to the scorecards and is remotely close, there’s a real chance that Chisora gets the benefit of the doubt.

Wallin will need to win rounds convincingly if he hopes to avoid a disappointing decision loss.

For Derek Chisora, this fight is about legacy. A win here keeps his farewell tour alive and sets up a final fight—possibly a rematch with Dillian Whyte or another top contender. A loss, however, could bring an unceremonious end to his career.

For Otto Wallin, this is a must-win. Losing to Joshua was one thing, but losing to a 40-year-old Chisora could derail his career completely. A win, on the other hand, puts him back in the mix for big fights, possibly against Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce, or even a Fury rematch.

This fight is tricky to predict. Wallin is the superior boxer, but Chisora is the more experienced fighter in big moments.

✅ If Wallin controls the pace and uses movement, he should win a decision.
✅ If Chisora can turn this into a dogfight and land something big, he could get the win he's looking for.

Ultimately, Wallin’s skills and stamina management will determine the outcome.

🔹 Official Prediction: Otto Wallin wins via majority decision.

However, if the fight is close, expect Chisora to get the nod on the scorecards.

While this isn’t a title fight, it’s an important battle for both men.

For Chisora, this could be his last fight on home soil, and he’ll be looking to go out with a bang.
For Wallin, this is a must-win fight to keep his career on track.

With styles that could clash or create an ugly, clinch-heavy affair, fans will be watching closely to see if Chisora can summon one last great performance, or if Wallin can outbox him to a clear victory.