Deontay Wilder triumphs in heavyweight brawl vs. Derek Chisora via split decision

Deontay Wilder, at right, secured a victory over Derek Chisora that keeps open the possibility of mixing it up with the heavyweight division’s top fighters again down the line. Richard Pelham / Getty Images Share full article1Deontay Wilder kept his hopes alive of returning to world-title contention with a points win over Derek Chisora in a rugged bout that played out, at times, like a bar-room brawl. The 40-year-old American heavyweight knew defeat against British warhorse Chisora would have ended any plans he had of mixing it up with the division’s top fighters again. He came out on top of a scrappy affair at London’s O2 Arena in which both men were knocked down. Two of the three judges ringside scored the fight 115-111 and 115-113 in his favour, with the other giving it to the home favourite Chisora 115-112. The split decision victory for Wilder came in an entertaining contest which had the arena on its feet and, even if it was not a spectacle for their purists, it thrilled those watching with a thirst for big-hitting heavyweight action. Chisora suffered his 14th defeat in what was his 50th professional contest, but he stopped short of confirming his retirement afterwards despite pre-bout claims that this was his last time in the ring. Wilder had suffered four defeats in his last six bouts, and his win over Tyrrell Herndon last June was not an inspiring victory for a boxer many believed had seen better days. The trilogy of clashes with Tyson Fury had appeared to take a lot physically and mentally out of the former WBC heavyweight champion. The Alabaman knew, in what was also his 50th fight, that a fifth career defeat would put pay to his wish of facing WBA, WBO and WBC title holder Oleksandr Usyk later this year. Whether that happens now remains to be seen, with the Ukrainian not appearing to currently have him in his plans after talks late last year never progressed. Yet with former champion Anthony Joshua ringside, the victory may rekindle interest in those foes finally getting it on after so many missed opportunities over the years, and Wilder believes he silenced critics who questioned his ability to compete at the top level. Wilder was booed as he emerged for his first fight on UK soil since 2013, while Chisora, somewhat of a cult hero here despite so many defeats, was roared to the ring by the passionate home fans. Chisora raced out from the first bell, coming in low and looking to swing up toward the taller Wilder, which made for a rough opening round. Wilder’s right hand, which has helped him win 43 of his 45 victories by stoppage, hasn’t been as dangerous in recent years, particularly in defeats by Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. But he was landing it here and forcing Chisora to contemplate his charges forward throughout the early rounds. The British fighter, who has previously challenged for world honours but never got over the line, grew into the contest as it progressed and had success going to the body, with looping lefts and rights also often getting through. Referee Mark Bates interfered throughout the bout, which annoyed Wilder, who believed his attacks were being stalled by the official as both men leaned on the ropes. A good left hook from Chisora in the fifth gave Wilder something to think about as both men appeared tired early, making the fight even more untidy. Wilder sent Chisora through the ropes in the eighth round, which brought a count from the referee. It followed the American landing three right hands cleanly before he was bundled over at the ropes. Chisora slowly got himself back in the ring, and he was out again moments later, but this time Bates opted to take a point from Wilder for pushing. Wilder wanted to get everyone excited again about his electric power, but despite being in control Saturday, he couldn’t find a finish. He claimed after the fight that he had decided to go easy on Chisora, who he had been on good terms with before the bout, rather than exchanging nasty verbal abuse like is so often the case in this sport. The American went down himself in the 11th round through the combination of a left hand and the loss of his footing while Chisora went out of the ring again. There was confusion, but both were counted as knockdowns. Chisora needed to pull off something special in the last round, but it finished like it had been throughout — untidy and scrappy with Wilder seeing the bout out without too much bother in the final three minutes to earn a deserved points victory. Wilder’s record now stands at 45-4-1 with this just his second victory since 2022, but he did do enough to put his name back in the mix for bigger fights. Chisora, even though he didn’t retire officially, may have had his last chance in a big bout. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Chris McKenna spent more than 11 years working for the Daily Star as well as the Daily Mirror and Daily Express covering football and boxing. He also covered the World Cup final in 2022 and boxing’s biggest events of the last decade.