Deontay Wilder won by split decision over Dereck Chisora at The O2 Arena on April 4, 2026. The judges scored the 12-round heavyweight bout 115–111 and 115–113 for Wilder, while one judge scored it 115–112 for Chisora.
The fight included heavy exchanges and a knockdown in the eighth round, when Wilder dropped Chisora with a clean combination. After the bout, Wilder said he withdrew during the latter rounds after seeing signs of damage on his opponent. His comments after the fight immediately became a topic of discussion, including a reference to how the final round played out.
Deontay Wilder explains decision to take pressure off
Wilder said in an interview that he noticed the swelling and changes seen in Chisora during the fight and adjusted his approach.
"I was telling him in the ring because I saw his eyes get puffy and his temples start to droop a little bit. I said, 'Brother, you've got to live for your kids. I don't want to hurt you anymore.' I started enjoying there because I saw that my brother was starting to get hurt.”
He said he decided not to press for a stop after seeing those signs.
"I took care of Derek tonight. I didn't want to stress him too much as I looked at his temple. Veins were starting to pop out of his head. I wanted him to live for his kids. It's time for us to take care of each other."
The comments marked a change from Wilder's previous career image, which focused on knockout power and aggressive finishes.
Dereck Chisora absorbs punishment, hints at retirement
Chisora remained active throughout the fight despite taking heavy shots. He recovered after being knocked down in the eighth round and continued to advance until the final bell.
After the fight, Chisora spoke about his position and future in the sport. He said he was feeling tired and suggested he was nearing the end of his career.
The British heavyweight has faced many top fighters over the years and recently entered the bout on a winning streak. This loss adds another result to a long career that has included several high-profile fights.
Fight results and reactions follow the final bell
Wilder's victory improved his record and kept him active in the heavyweight division. During the fight, he threw cleaner, more effective punches, while Chisora relied on pressure and volume.
After the bout, Wilder also approached Anthony Joshua at ringside and called for a future fight.
"Let's do this," Wilder said.
Wilder's comments about stopping the fight prompted strong reactions from fans and observers. Some focused on the sportsmanship shown in the latter rounds, while others discussed the scoring and overall performance.
The result has returned Wilder to the list of greats as he continues his career.
