Fans have made their displeasure known on social media after Derek Chisora's July 9 opponent was announced to be Kubrat Pulev.
Former world title contender Pulev dominated Chisora when the pair first met in 2016 for the European title, but the pair have been matched up again to square off at The O2 arena in London. Chisora's initially touted opponent was the Polish-American Adam Kownacki, who would have been viewed as the more exciting option given both men's power.
And supporters took to social media to make their feelings known about the fight, with one saying that it was "typical" of Chisora's promoters Matchroom Boxing. He tweeted: "Typical Matchroom. Promise us the exciting Kownacki Chisora fight and then give us Pulev vs Chisora lmao."
Another commented on Instagram that "Chisora needs to pack it in," before asking "who wants to watch this?" Some fans were impressed with the match-up, but many were upset at being given a rematch for a fight that wasn't all that close the first time.
One fan wrote that "nobody wants to see Chisora Pulev 2," and suggested that the Brit "should have fought Ortiz or Charles Martin," There were concerns among fans that Pulev is "semi-retired" due to his recent bouts with Triller Fight Club.
The former world title challenger faced Jerry Forrest after having a mixed-rules fight with Frank Mir in what was a dangerous mismatch. He had agreed to another 'Triad' fight against UFC legend Junior Dos Santos, but that fell by the wayside after the promotion cancelled their event.
Meanwhile, Chisora is coming off the back of three straight losses, two against Joseph Parker last year and a close decision to Oleksandr Usyk in 2020. He's never far from the top of the division, but there were calls for his retirement after Parker brutalised him during their last outing.
“I’m delighted to get this fight over the line,” promoter Eddie Hearn said in a statement. “Initially we worked on some other opponents for Derek, but this fight came out of nowhere a few days ago and I absolutely love it!
Are you excited about Derek Chisora vs Kubrat Pulev? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
"I think the strapline, ‘Total Carnage’, is absolutely perfect for this fight, in terms of the build-up and in terms of the fight itself. Expect the unexpected but expect a thriller at The O2 on July 9.
"Both men have been longstanding fixtures of the world heavyweight division and it’s all or nothing at The O2 for both, as defeat could lead to the end of the road. Fans can expect a huge undercard and a brilliant main event for another brilliant event live on DAZN.”
The winner could end up earning a big money bout with the returning Deontay Wilder should they win, although Pulev's contractual situation is unclear. He seemed to have a good deal with Triller, but has now moved over to face Chisora on Matchroom and DAZN.
