LONDON — Deontay Wilder may not be the same destroyer he once was but on Saturday night, he proved he still has some left in the tank. In a chaotic, back-and-forth battle, Wilder earned a split decision victory over Derek Chisora in London, keeping his heavyweight career alive in his 50th professional fight.
The scorecards reflected just how competitive and chaotic the fight was:
- Phil Edwards: 115-112 Chisora
- Shawn McAvoy: 115-111 Wilder
- Marcus McDonnell: 115-113 Wilder
Both fighters hit the canvas in a breathless contest that saw momentum swing wildly from round to round. “I feel good,” Wilder said post-fight. “He came like a lion to fight, but I don’t play when I’m in here.”
This wasn’t the devastating one-punch knockout artist fans once knew but it was something else entirely. It was grit. It was survival.It was heart. Wilder leaned on experience and timing rather than pure destruction, showing flashes of the power that once made him one of boxing’s most feared heavyweights.
Chisora’s Final Stand?
For Chisora, this was billed as his final fight at London’s O2 Arena a venue he has turned into his personal fortress.
And true to form, he made it memorable.
- Walked into the arena through the main entrance
- Surrounded by family, pushing his daughter in a pram
- Greeted by a roaring crowd chanting his name
Even as Wilder’s ring walk was drowned out, Chisora delivered one last war for his home fans.
Whether it was truly his final appearance? That remains to be seen.
Wilder’s Road Back
The win comes at a crucial moment for Wilder.
Since his legendary trilogy with Tyson Fury, Wilder has struggled to regain his dominant form:
- Stopped in back-to-back losses to Fury
- Four defeats in his last six fights prior to Saturday
- Entered this fight as the underdog
Now, with a hard-fought victory, Wilder repositions himself — at least temporarily — in the heavyweight conversation.
What Comes Next?
Wilder made it clear he’s not done yet. “I’m back, and I’m going to get better and better,” he said.
Whether that leads to:
- Another marquee fight
- A final run at contention
- Or one last payday
Saturday night ensured one thing Deontay Wilder still matters.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
