This weekend’s heavyweight banger between Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder hit a stumbling block just a day out.
The pair of veteran heavyweights co-star in an intriguing match-up that promises to end in at least one retirement. There has been little tension between the pair, but there was drama behind the scenes today – something promoter Kalle Sauerland described as ‘a big issue.’
At the gloves meeting before the weigh-in, Wilder reportedly insisted on using his own gloves, but they did not comply with the regulations in place by the British Boxing Board of Control.
It is currently unclear in what way Wilder’s chosen gloves fell short of the required standard – it could be as simple as the brand not being approved – however officials are understood to have stood firm on the rules, and would have had to have received such a request weeks in advance.
At the final face-off, the American said:
“I’ve broke my hands so many times and [I wasn’t happy] with the gloves that were provided. We had an issue with the glove being too tight on my hand. We’ll see what happens and get it straightened out.”
Speaking to the media afterwards, Chisora – who had previously said he was not aware of the issue – summed up the situation.
“The gloves are sorted out now. It’s done now. He wanted to use his own gloves, but I said no because they’re not board approved. So, I stood on my toes and said this is business. It’s all done now.”
The fight marks number 50 in the professional ranks for both men, with Chisora insisting he will retire win, lose or draw, but Wilder, confident of a win, saying he plans to fight on and look to regain the heavyweight world title.
