TLDR
- Deontay Wilder defeated Derek Chisora by split decision in a chaotic fight featuring multiple slips and falls
- Tyson Fury called the performance ‘heartbreaking’ and questioned whether he would look similar after 16 months away
- Wilder appeared to apologize mid-fight, telling Chisora ‘I love you’ before landing a punch
- The fight marked the 50th professional bout for both 40-year-old Wilder and 42-year-old Chisora
- Fury faces Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after his lengthy layoff
Sources: boxingnewsonline.net | aljazeera.com | skysports.com
Deontay Wilder defeated Derek Chisora by split decision in London last weekend, but the performance left former opponent Tyson Fury deeply concerned about his own upcoming comeback.
The 40-year-old Wilder won on two judges’ scorecards 115-111 and 115-113, while a third judge scored it 115-112 for Chisora. Both fighters, aged 40 and 42 respectively, struggled through a messy bout at the O2 Arena that featured frequent slips and falls.
Wilder scored the only knockdown in the eighth round, sending Chisora through the ropes. However, he was deducted a point in the same round for pushing and failed to press his advantage.
Deontay Wilder said he took it easy on Derek Chisora tonight đź‘€
“Too many lives have been lost in this ring. Nobody give a f*ck about us. Fighters have to look after each other. I didn’t wanna go too hard on him.”
(via @DAZNBoxing) pic.twitter.com/CGUSzbsSBI
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 4, 2026
Fury Questions His Own Abilities
Fury, who has defeated both men three times each, watched the fight and expressed serious doubts about his own return to the ring. Speaking on Inside the Ring, the former champion said it was “hard to watch” and “heartbreaking.”
“I’d never seen two men slide as much in my life as them two,” Fury said. “I’m thinking, am I f***ing next? Is this me?”
The 37-year-old Fury faces Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday after 16 months away from boxing. He told his team that if he performs even “10% as bad” as Wilder and Chisora, they should “take me out to the field and shoot me.”
Fury had predicted a Chisora knockout victory before the fight. His concerns stem from his lengthy layoff at an age when fighters typically decline rapidly.
Strange Moment During Fight
The bout featured an unusual moment when Wilder appeared to apologize to Chisora mid-fight. According to observers ringside, Wilder told Chisora “I am sorry, I love you” before landing a big right hand.
After the fight, Wilder suggested he held back from pursuing a knockout. “Tonight, I looked out for him. I want him to live for his kids,” he told broadcaster DAZN. “It’s time for us to take care of each other.”
Chisora had announced the fight would be his last but seemed uncertain afterward. “I’m going to go home with the boss lady and see,” he said. “I’m going to go home and drop the kids, do the school run.”
The fight marked the 50th professional bout for both men. Wilder improved his record to 45-4-1, while Chisora dropped to 36-14.
Wilder held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020 before losing it to Fury. He came to London having lost four of his last six fights.
Chisora never won a world title despite two attempts. He lost to Vitali Klitschko in 2012 and Fury in 2022.
Wilder has now stated he wants to become a two-time heavyweight champion at age 40. He has also expressed interest in fighting Anthony Joshua, who is also being targeted by Fury if both men win their upcoming fights.
