Deontay Wilder is confident that a knockout victory over Derek Chisora is in his future, and he firmly believes that a fight against Oleksandr Usyk is on the horizon.
NEW YORK — With a staggering total of 98 fights between them, it’s surprising that Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora have yet to step into the ring against each other. Fortunately, that gap will be bridged on April 4, when they clash in a highly anticipated heavyweight bout at the O2 Arena in London, England, as the main event of a card promoted by MF Pro.
Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion boasting a record of 44 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw (with an impressive 43 knockouts), faces Chisora, who has a record of 36 wins and 13 losses (23 of those by knockout). The two fighters met for a promotional face-off in Times Square on Monday afternoon, but rather than engaging in a heated exchange, they found themselves bonding over the biting cold of New York City, which is currently experiencing extreme winter temperatures.
Draped in their national flags—an attempt to promote their forthcoming battle while also braving the chill—Wilder expressed that he always envisioned this matchup would eventually happen, though he was uncertain about the timing.
"I’ve always known that as long as we’re both active in this sport, we would get the chance to fight each other," the 40-year-old Wilder shared in an interview with BoxingScene. "The heavyweight division is relatively small, so there are opportunities to have multiple exciting fights, even if we’ve faced each other before. I never thought it was entirely out of the question for this fight to materialize, especially since it was supposed to happen a few years back."
Wilder expressed his excitement about being in this position, reflecting on his journey and the challenges he has overcome. "It has been a tough road, but I’m proud of how far I've come. Even when it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders, I continue to push forward. It’s something I truly love."
This bout marks Wilder's return to the ring following a seventh-round stoppage victory over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon last June in Kansas, a win that ended a disappointing two-fight losing streak against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. The Alabama native believes that going up against Chisora, a seasoned contender from London who has previously challenged for heavyweight titles twice, presents a stylistic match that can reignite interest in his career.
At 42 years old, Chisora is currently on a roll, having secured victories in his last three fights against notable opponents like Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce, and Otto Wallin.
"From the very first round right to the last, this fight will be filled with action, assuming it even goes that far," Wilder stated confidently. "I honestly don’t expect it to go the distance; I would be shocked if it did. I believe someone will emerge victorious before the judges have to step in and decide."
Chisora echoed Wilder's sentiments, affirming that their fighting styles promise an electrifying encounter.
"This is going to be an excellent fight... until I stop him," Chisora declared boldly.
Wilder also mentioned that he has discovered a renewed sense of purpose in boxing after achieving significant milestones early in his career, such as winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and claiming the WBC heavyweight title in 2015, which he successfully defended ten times until his loss to Tyson Fury in 2020. Now, he views this next chapter of his career as a special opportunity to do something for himself.
"Right now, I’m focusing on what makes me happy. During my reign with ten title defenses, I was always striving to provide for others," Wilder explained.
"Building generational wealth for my family has always been my priority, and I succeeded in that regard. I take pride in my accomplishments, but I also recognize the need to indulge myself. I tend to give so much to others without seeking anything in return."
Looking ahead, after facing Chisora, Wilder will still have one notable opponent left on his list: Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight champion who has held undisputed titles at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. Although negotiations for a fight between them have taken place, nothing has been finalized yet. However, Wilder remains optimistic about one day standing across the ring from Usyk.
"I genuinely believe that fight will occur. He has already indicated that I'm the missing piece in his career puzzle," Wilder said. "While Usyk doesn’t necessarily need me to solidify his legacy, I understand his desire to compete against everyone in our era, just as I wish to do the same. It’s vital for us to offer our best to the sport before leaving it behind.
"Only a true fighter understands the mindset of a warrior. People often question why we continue to pursue this path when we have achieved success and financial stability. They say things like, ‘Why not just retire?’ But they don’t comprehend the spirit of a warrior. They haven’t experienced what it means to fight and push forward against all odds. I respect Usyk's perspective and hold him to his promise."
Despite looking ahead, Wilder has already contemplated how he wants to be remembered in the boxing world.
"I aspire for people to remember me as someone who embodied a warrior's spirit, demonstrated immense courage, and possessed a king's intellect. I want to be known as a fighter who faced all challengers and never backed down, even when circumstances weren't in my favor," Wilder expressed thoughtfully.
"For much of my life, I've had to break down barriers to achieve success. In that context, I hope they view me as a man who dedicated himself to greatness and exemplified what it means to be a warrior."
What do you think of Wilder's predictions and motivations? Do you agree with his views on legacy and the warrior mentality in boxing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
