Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder will each fight their 50th bout on April 4 in London.
The pair of heavyweights have had extremely different trajectories in the sport, with Chisora’s first 49 coming against some mega names all the way back to Vitali Klitschko and David Haye but with no world title success.
Wilder held the WBC Heavyweight World title for almost half a decade, stopping every man who challenged him for it, but his first truly elite opponent was Tyson Fury and, following a draw in their first meeting, he was stopped in the second and third fights. Since then, while Chisora has been enjoying an Indian summer with wins over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin, Wilder has lost to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, and looked poor doing it. His comeback win over Tyrell Herndon last time out did little to convince fans he still deserves a seat at the top table.
Still, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has highlighted issues outside of the ropes as the reason behind his below par performances, and has promised to deliver fireworks on this encounter with Chisora. Following very public final talks and videos of contracts being signed, the fight is now official.
Under the MF Pro banner — fronted by Kalle Sauerland and internet sensation KSI — alongside Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, the pair will top a bill at London’s O2 Arena on April 4, streaming live on DAZN. Viddal Riley, MF Pro’s first major signing, could feature on the undercard.
Before they share a ring, Wilder and Chisora have something else in common — they have both faced Tyson Fury three times. For his money, ‘The Gypsy King’ is backing his countryman by KO. Whatever happens, one must believe the loser is set for retirement.