‘Del Boy’ was keen to discuss a fight for the vacant EBU belt with next in line Joshua, although both camps failed to agree a deal that satisfied the former world title challenger sufficiently.
Chisora and his promoter have now moved on to a possible clash with ex-champion Kubrat Pulev in a contest that could take place in Germany during the spring.
“I don’t think anyone was ducking anyone. It’s professional boxing and it was down to money,” Kalle Sauerland told Sky Sports. “Dereck wasn’t happy with the terms presented to him and said he wasn’t going to do it.
“It could have gone to a purse bid but I guess Eddie and Anthony chose to go a different avenue because we couldn’t reach an agreement. They chose to move on and at the end of the day, Dereck has his demands. Anthony gave up the position and Pulev moves in.”
Pulev, who like Chisora lost out to a Klitschko brother in a sole world title challenge, has been approved by the European Boxing Union ahead of what looks on paper to be an entertaining battle.
For Joshua, talks breaking down has left the door open for an alternative opponent for what is expected to be another pay-per-view offering on Sky Sports Box Office in two months’ time.
Johann Duhaupas has already thrown his hat into the ring for the fight, although Joshua’s promoter is hoping to announce his latest foe by the end of this week and the Frenchman has a date to fulfil this weekend first.
‘AJ’ is looking to step-up from domestic level having recently claimed the British and Commonwealth title belts in stoppage victories over Gary Cornish and Dillian Whyte.
