It appears that Deontay Wilder vs Oleksandr Usyk may not be happening after all.
A match-up between Wilder and current heavyweight king Usyk looked to be on the cards for 2026, after the Ukrainian revealed his desire to defend his WBC, WBA and IBF titles against ‘The Bronze Bomber.’
Wilder was previously the long-term WBC champion, making 10 defences of his belt between 2015 and 2020, but as of late he has found things difficult, losing four of his last six contests.
It led some fans to voice their concerns over how a clash against Usyk could play out, suggesting that Wilder should win another fight in order to best prepare for a potential meeting with the Ukrainian.
That could now be how things unfold, after Brunch Boxing first reported Wilder was in talks to face British heavyweight Derek Chisora.
Journalist Dan Rafael reported has now followed up with more details.
“Former WBC heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder and former title challenger Derek Chisora are finalising a fight that will take place in April in London, a source with knowledge of the plans told Fight Freaks Unite on Tuesday night.
“There had been recent conversation that Wilder would challenge lineal/unified champion Oleksandr Usyk next and the sides had been in contact but the fight has not been made and Wilder instead will fight Chisora.”
A fight between ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and Chisora has been rumoured for some time. The pair took part in a face-off during a boxing event in Dubai in December, and Chisora posted a video on his Instagram on Tuesday evening signing a contract for his next fight.
Chisora is a two-time world title challenger who has won 36 of his 49 professional fights, claiming victories over Otto Wallin, Joe Joyce and Gerald Washington in his last three fights. He has long talked up his 50th contest and will have a huge reception from the British fight fans, making it clear he plans to retire after the final bell.
