Derek Chisora on Deontay Wilder Fight: ‘The Only Thing Hard About The Fight Will Be The Ringwalk’

Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) might hang up his gloves after his upcoming showdown against Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs). However, that doesn’t mean that he’s going to take the fight lightly.

Speaking at their press conference, Chisora urged that the hardest part of the fight might just be the ringwalk.

“The only thing hard about the fight will be the ringwalk. But after the first bell goes, everything will be easy for me. Everybody complicates boxing, but it’s easy. You just put your hands on your chin and hit the other guy, and that’s what I am going to do,” he said. “I have done it for 49 fights; some I have won, some I have lost, but I keep bouncing back. Only this time I won’t be bouncing back.”

Chisora has been very clear that his plan is to retire after his 50th professional fight, which is exactly why this bout against Wilder is being billed as his last dance, one last ride to go out on his own terms after a long, punishing career. At 42, he’s said for years that hitting 50 fights was always the goal before walking away, and it absolutely comes as no surprise that he wants to end on a high note.

However, that does not mean he’s breaking all ties with the sport; he’s hinted at staying connected to boxing or even exploring other paths, such as media or public life. On the other hand, Wilder has the opposite mindset, with no plans to retire anytime soon, insisting he still has a lot to accomplish.

How explosively does Chisora want to end it? He doesn’t even wish to go beyond round one.

“We might not even see round two because I am so fit and I am so ready for this. I hope he is ready because I am going to tell my trainer ‘f*ck it, let’s go’. That is the gameplan I have crazy energy. I need war and pain and that is what I am bringing,” he said.

“I Need Everything”

Meanwhile, Wilder is coming to the fight after a series of lacklustre performances. During the same presser, he remained confident that Chisora was the best opponent to help him make a comeback.

“Derek is built off pressure and I need that to elevate myself. I need everything that Derek is going to bring; that is why he is the perfect opponent for me. I do not want you to mistake us for the friendship that has been going on. It’s going to be live and it is going to be real, and I cannot wait for it. I am telling Derek to bring his heart because I am going to take that too,” he said.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

See author's posts