The upcoming matchup of former WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder and English contender Derek Chisora is official for April and the fighters were in chilly New York City to announce it.
Braving frigid temperatures on Tuesday in the heart of Times Square, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and Derek “WAR” Chisora announced their April battle in the U.K.
Wilder, one of the greatest KO artists in heavyweight history, 44-4-1, 43 KOs) stood with the British heavyweight mainstay Chisora, who's now 36-13, 23 KOs, after a couple of recent relevant wins as they went face-to-face for the first time,.
The Fight comes off on April 4th at London’s iconic O2 Arena and will stream worldwide on DAZN The event is promoted by MisFits Pro, led by Amer Abdallah and noted European promoter Kalle Sauerland,
For Wilder, the bout represents likely his last fight on a large stage. This after his two hard KO losses to Tyson Fury, taking his WBC belt. And, then, he was beaten on a 12 round decision by Joseph Parker and brutally kayoed by Zhelei Zhang. The fearsome American puncher is now 40 years old, and did score a TKO last June of Tyrell Herndon to give his fans some hope that there's still some "super power" left in his big right hand.
Standing beneath the neon lights of New York City Tuesday, Wilder made it clear that London is simply the next stage for a chance at another memorable KO.
“This is more than just a comeback — this is a warning shot to the entire heavyweight division,” Wilder declared. “I respect Chisora. He’s tough, he’s gritty, but on April 4, I remind the world why I’m still the most dangerous man in boxing.”
Chisora stood nearby, defiant as ever. A large fan favorite in the U.K. and known for his relentless pressure, durability, and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, the now 42 year old Chisora embraced the magnitude of the moment. With The O2 Arena set to roar behind him, he promised chaos on home soil.
“This is what I live for,” Chisora said. “The bright lights, the big fights, the doubters — bring them all. April 4, it’s WAR in my backyard, and I’m coming to shock the world.”
Chisora lost badly in previous recent heavyweight title challenges to Anthony Joshua and to Fury, himself. However, his two wins over fellow Brit Joe Joyce and Swede Otto Wallin have given him momentum, even in his forties.
MF Pro President Amer Abdallah framed the matchup as a defining moment for the heavyweight division. “You have two of the most exciting fighters in the sport — Wilder with that one-punch equalizer power and Chisora with unmatched heart and pressure,” Abdallah said. “This is a can’t-miss fight. We announced it in Times Square because this is a global blockbuster.”
And Kalle Sauerland echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the historical weight of the contest. “Two massive names and two legends collide on one unforgettable night,” Sauerland stated. “This is a true heavyweight shootout — about legacy, history, and glory."
This fight will have massive interest for the U.K. fight fans and there will be some interest from those in the U.S. that know the legend of Wilder's former devastating endings.