Deontay Wilder re-established himself in the heavyweight division by outpointing Derek Chisora on Saturday night. Just days later, a route to becoming two-time world champion has presented itself.
In a hectic affair, two of the three judges ruled that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ had done enough to spoil Chisora’s farewell fight and pull off the upset, securing a first win on the world stage since losing his WBC heavyweight title to Tyson Fury in 2020.
Prior to the fight, Chisora was ranked as the IBF’s number 2 heavyweight contender and Wilder is expected to benefit from that rating, opening the door to a clash against the victor of Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr – who fight in a final eliminator next month.
However, it is with the WBA where Wilder could become a two-time titleholder, as he has been offered a fight by Al Siesta, promoter of WBA Regular heavyweight champion, Murat Gassiev, on X.
“Congratulations to our brother in IBA ‘The Bronze Bomber’ for his victory over the legend Chisora.
“Deontay you are a great champion and it would be our honour for you to compete for Murat Gassiev’s WBA title next. We are ready for anyone.”
Whilst Gassiev – who has also called out Moses Itauma – currently holds the WBA ‘Regular’ title and Oleksandr Usyk remains the recognised ‘Super’ champion, the situation within the sanctioning body could soon shift.
Unified champion Usyk is set to face former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven next month, with the WBC already confirming its belt will be on the line for that bout. However, as of writing, the WBA and IBF have yet to clarify their positions. Should either body refuse to sanction the fight, Usyk could be forced to vacate or be stripped of one or both titles.
That uncertainty is what makes the WBA route particularly relevant for Wilder. If Usyk relinquishes the belt – whether immediately or as part of his planned run of final fights – the ‘Regular’ title picture involving Gassiev could quickly be elevated, creating a clearer path to full championship status.
