Derek Chisora lost on the cards to Deontay Wilder in London in what was his 50th fight – and the one he vowed to retire after.
It was an all-action, sloppy affair, with both men having spurts of success and showing impressive chins. Wilder ultimately took a split decision win, helped along by two knockdowns.
Speaking post-fight, Chisora expressed his disappointment and, despite his wife mouthing the words ‘last fight’ to him, would not fully commit to his pre-fight promise.
“Some of the rounds were very close. I’m upset I came out of the ropes. If I didn’t come out the ropes I would have won that fight.
“I came out of the ring. It is what it is. I’ll go home with the boss lady and see wagwan. Thank you very much I appreciate that. I know I love to fight. Thank you very much.”
It will be up to Chisora – who said he wanted to spend time with his family before committing to anything – to make a difficult decision in the coming days. Will he attempt to bow out on a win with one more fight, or call it at 50 and be remembered for what he was – a relentless heavyweight who, despite never winning a world title, became one of the defining figures of his era?
If he does retire, his legacy rests on his durability, his willingness to gamble, and the fact that, no matter the result, he spent almost two decades giving heavyweight boxing everything he had.
As for Wilder, he said post-fight that he will absolutey take another crack at the top of the division. He had previously been in talks with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua, who was ringside, may now fancy that fight more than ever.
