Derek Chisora faces former world champion Deontay Wilder in a dream clash after 13 years<\/p>\n
London \u2013 United News Network: Boxer Derek Chisora, 42, will meet former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, 40, in London on April 4, as part of the 50th fight of his career.<\/p>\n
Chisora had announced last year his intention to retire from boxing after his 50th bout, which was expected to take place outside the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n
However, BBC Sport reported that the British fighter instead decided to face Wilder in London on April 4.<\/p>\n
The two were scheduled to meet in the ring 13 years ago, but Wilder withdrew from the fight after being banned from traveling to the United Kingdom following his arrest on suspicion of committing a domestic violence offense.<\/p>\n
Wilder won his first 40 fights before drawing with Tyson Fury in 2018, then suffered consecutive defeats against the \u201cGypsy King\u201d in 2020 and 2021.<\/p>\n
Chisora also faced Fury three times, losing to him in 2011, 2014, and 2022.<\/p>\n
Wilder was once considered the most feared boxer in his division, but he struggled to regain his aura following his series of fights with Fury.<\/p>\n
His status declined after consecutive losses, including a defeat by decision to Joseph Parker in 2023 and to Zhilei Zhang in 2024.<\/p>\n
After an absence of more than a year, the American returned last June with a seventh-round stoppage win over his opponent Terrell Anthony Hernandez.<\/p>\n
Despite his recent decline, Wilder remains closely linked to a potential fight against unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk, should he defeat Chisora.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Chisora is enjoying a late resurgence in his career, coming off a run that included three losses, followed by points victories over Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin.<\/p>\n
He had been linked to a third fight against long-time rival Dillian Whyte or a potential opportunity to challenge for the WBO title against Fabio Wardley.<\/p>\n
Fury backed Chisora to win the fight and stressed that there should be a title on the line.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThere has to be a belt on the line. You\u2019ve got two epic fighters here.<\/p>\n
\u201cA world champion who defended the title 10 times from the United States, and a war hero from the United Kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n
United News Network \u2013 UNN Arabic
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