Dereck Chisora suffered a points defeat to Deontay Wilder in a wild heavyweight contest at London’s O2 Arena in what is expected to be his final professional bout.
Chisora, 42, was knocked out in the eighth round and sent through the ropes. The Briton was about to be stopped several times as Wilder pressed for the finish, but the veteran somehow fought back.
American Wilder was given a split decision with scores of 115–111 and 115–113, while one judge scored Chisora 115–112.
Wilder later said, “I had a lovely opponent. I knew Derek would bring everything he had.”
“In the ring I saw his temples starting to swell, I said ‘You have to live for your children. A lot of people have lost their lives in this ring, no one cares about us. We fighters have to take care of each other.
“Tonight, I look out for her, I want her to live for her children. Now is the time for us to take care of each other. I have seven friends of my own, they are my best friends.”
Both men suffered heavy punishment because the competition, almost inexplicably, went so far.
Chisora had some moments, notably stunning the 40-year-old Wilder in the fifth round, but the former world champion ultimately deserved the decision.
Notably, this was the 50th match of both men’s careers. Londoner Chisora – now with 14 defeats – had previously said it would be his last fight, but hesitated to confirm his retirement when his family joined him in the ring.
It was neither pretty, nor particularly distinctive, but it was undeniably entertaining.
For Wilder, it represents his best win in recent years and extends a career that may also be nearing its end.
