- Deontay Wilder beats Derek Chisora by split decision (115-111, 112-115, 115-113) at The O2 Arena, London
- Both veterans delivered a heavyweight war that had the crowd on their feet for all twelve rounds
- Chisora likely retires after a valiant final performance; Wilder's future remains uncertain
Right then, let's talk about what just happened at The O2. Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora just gave us one of the most entertaining heavyweight fights of 2026, and I say that without a hint of exaggeration. The scorecards read 115-111 Wilder, 112-115 Chisora, 115-113 Wilder — a split decision that reflected just how competitive this fight truly was from first bell to last.
Make no mistake, this was not a technical masterclass from either man. This was a proper heavyweight tear-up between two warriors who left absolutely everything in that ring. Wilder came in as the betting underdog at +182, and plenty of people had written off the former WBC champion entirely. Those people were wrong. The Bronze Bomber showed he's still got serious pop in those hands and enough ring intelligence to navigate twelve hard rounds against a man as durable and relentless as Chisora.
Chisora's Heart on Full Display
If this was indeed Chisora's final fight — and he's indicated as much — then what a way to bow out. Del Boy marched forward all night, threw everything he had at Wilder, and genuinely had moments where he looked like winning. One judge had him ahead, and nobody could argue with that. At 36, with nearly fifty professional fights behind him, Chisora proved once again that he is one of the most durable and courageous heavyweights British boxing has ever produced.
The middle rounds were where Chisora did his best work. He got inside Wilder's range, landed thudding body shots, and had the American on the back foot. Rounds five through eight were genuinely competitive, and Chisora's output was relentless. The O2 crowd — firmly behind their man — roared with every shot that landed.
Wilder's Power Still Commands Respect
But here's the thing about Wilder. Even at 40 years old, even after losses to Fury and Zhang, that right hand is still an absolute weapon. In rounds nine and ten, Wilder found his range again, landing two huge right hands that visibly wobbled Chisora. The fact that Chisora stayed on his feet speaks to his granite chin, but those shots swung the fight in Wilder's favour on two of the three scorecards.
The championship rounds were electric. Both men knew it was close, and both threw caution to the wind. Wilder's cleaner punching and ability to hurt Chisora at key moments proved to be the difference, but let's not pretend this was comfortable. Wilder earned this one the hard way.
What Comes Next?
For Chisora, this feels like the end. He's given everything to this sport and owes nobody anything. A proper career from a proper fighter. For Wilder, the question is whether this win — against a veteran with a 36-13 record — is enough to warrant another big fight. I'd argue Wilder showed enough heart and skill to stay relevant, but the days of world title challenges are behind him. If you know, you know.
What we can all agree on is that this was a brilliant night of heavyweight boxing. Two old warriors, nothing left to lose, and twelve rounds that reminded us why we love this sport.