This past weekend in London, Deontay Wilder handed Derek Chisora the 14th defeat of his career.
Following an entertaining and chaotic twelve rounds, Wilder took the win on the cards via split decision, with two knockdowns proving decisive. It was a necessary victory for the former champion, who says he is keen on returning to the top level in an attempt to win back a world title.
Asked at the post-fight press conference how he believes Wilder will fare if he does go on and face the division’s best, with a specific mention of unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, Chisora said:
“He’ll do well. He’s got power. Wilder’s got power for the first three rounds, then after he fades, but he’s always got that power. I’m not gonna take that away from him.”
Usyk had been pursuing Wilder earlier this year as part of his plan to face every top name of his generation. Negotiations reportedly moved too slowly for the American, however, who instead signed to face Chisora. With the victory, he makes a case to remain on the Ukrainian’s hit list, though is battling against the likes of Fabio Wardley, Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury and Agit Kabayel.
In the meantime, Usyk – who beat Chisora by unanimous decision back in 2020 – will face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23. Controversially, he has been permitted to put his WBC world title on the line for the fight, much to the dismay of the top contenders given Verhoeven has had just one professional boxing bout. It is unclear what the WBA and IBF intend to do.
