Deontay Wilder has emerged victorious over Derek Chisora in a punishing heavyweight showdown at London's O2 Arena, securing a split decision win. The fight is widely anticipated to be the final professional bout for the British fighter.
Chisora, aged 42, was knocked down in the eighth round and pushed through the ropes, appearing to be on the verge of defeat on multiple occasions as Wilder pushed for a knockout. However, the veteran displayed considerable resilience to last until the final bell.
Wilder, 40, was granted a split decision victory, with the judges' scorecards reading 115–111 and 115–113 in his favour, while a third judge scored the fight 115–112 for Chisora.
"I had a wonderful opponent. I knew Derek was going to bring everything he had," Wilder stated post-fight.
"In the ring, I saw his temple start to swell, and I told him, 'you've got to live for your kids'. Too many lives have been lost in this ring, and nobody cares about us. We fighters have to look out for each other.
"Tonight, I looked out for him. I want him to live for his kids. It's time for us to take care of each other. I have seven of my own; those are my best friends."
Both fighters endured significant punishment during the contest, which, despite its intensity, went the full 12 rounds. Chisora had moments of success, notably stunning Wilder in the fifth round, but the American's power and consistent output ultimately made the difference.
This marked the 50th professional bout for both fighters. Chisora, now with 14 defeats, had previously suggested this would be his last fight but did not definitively confirm his retirement after being joined in the ring by his family.
The match provided considerable entertainment, although it lacked high technical quality, with both boxers falling to the canvas multiple times during a chaotic encounter.
Chisora made a memorable entrance to fight week, arriving at a press conference in an army tank and later travelling to the arena via the London Underground, where he was met with a loud ovation from fans.
A peculiar opening round saw both heavyweights become entangled on the ropes, continuing to exchange punches while disregarding the referee's instructions to disengage. A member of Chisora's team briefly entered the ring before order was re-established.
Chisora found the early rounds challenging, with his trainer repeatedly urging him to "Go back to your boxing. Get that jab working," though his jab proved largely ineffective throughout the fight.
The Zimbabwe-born fighter found some success with an overhand right in the fifth round, briefly unsettling Wilder and shifting the fight's momentum. Notably, Anthony Joshua was observed encouraging him from ringside.
However, Wilder regained command, landing a decisive right hand in the eighth round – a signature punch that has defined much of his knockout career, sending Chisora partly over the ropes.
Wilder was later penalised a point for a push. Additionally, both fighters fell to the canvas again in the 11th round, though neither instance was officially ruled a knockdown.
Despite absorbing significant punishment, Chisora impressively managed to complete the distance. At the conclusion of the demanding contest, both fighters embraced, demonstrating mutual respect.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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