Wilder beats Chisora via split decision after gruelling contest

Wilder beats Chisora via split decision after gruelling contest Last updated 05 April 2026 12:35am BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Deontay Wilder (right) celebrates after the final bell  Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images Simon Briggs. Daniel Zeqiri live updates. Gareth A Davies at O2 Arena Last updated 05 April 2026 12:35am BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email A 20,000-strong crowd at the O2 Arena enjoyed plenty of entertainment, but not a lot of boxing class, as 40-year-old American veteran Deontay Wilder won a split points decision against an even older man, British bulldog Derek Chisora. The former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who was watching from ringside, was right when he said “It ain’t about technique!” Instead we saw plenty of whaling and a lot of clinches, as well as a few solid shots from Wilder that opened up a cut over Chisora’s left eye. In a bout that featured heaps of experience but little to worry the big names of the heavyweight decision, an overweight Chisora kept rumbling forward hopefully with little subtlety or deception. Unfortunately for the partisan crowd inside the O2 Arena, he also kept walking into powerful right-handed counters. Chisora’s admirers chanted his name every time he landed a big shot of his own, but Wilder – who had not beaten a ranked opponent in four years – always looked more poised and comfortable. With Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher and former Doctor Who Matt Smith among the celebrities at ringside, the first half-dozen rounds delivered an entertaining battle between two fighters who are well past their peak. Those early exchanges were also full of bizarre incident. In the first round, Wilder shoved Chisora back on to the ropes so far that it almost looked as if one or both of them might topple out of the ring. The referee had a word with Derek Chisora after the fighters fell through the ropes Credit: Adam Davy/PA As they grappled and swung short-range shots, the referee tried desperately to separate them, whereupon one of Chisora’s corner staff risked a disqualification by rushing in and adding his own strength to help drag them apart. With Chisora always looking to close the distance, there was plenty of wrestling to go with the boxing. On multiple occasions, Chisora ended up stumbling over, but he wasn’t given a count until the eighth round, when he twice became tangled in the lower ropes after some heavy shots from Wilder. We also saw another peculiar moment in round three, when Chisora seemed to be complaining about issues with his vision, and stopped fighting for a few seconds, allowing Wilder to land two or three unopposed punches. Wilder knocked down Chisora in the eigth round Credit: Peter Cziborra/Reuters Although Chisora looked gassed, or even dazed, towards the end of several rounds, his resilience is remarkable and he kept coming out with renewed energy after each sit-down. Chisora was still trying to finish Wilder with one of his big overhand rights when the final bell rang, but there was little doubt who deserved the decision, despite one of the three judges scoring in Chisora’s favour. Although Chisora has said that this will be his final professional bout, this is a claim he has made before. At 42, he has been a courageous challenger, but never a truly convincing contender for the biggest prizes. He would be well advised to stick to his promise this time. Latest updates Simon Briggs. Daniel Zeqiri live updates. Gareth A Davies at O2 Arena 12:17AM Chisora on his possible swansong Link copied to clipboard Some of the rounds were very close. I’m upset, If I didn’t come onto the ropes, I would’ve won the fight. It happens. The fight, I lost it by two points because I came out of the ring. It is what it is. I’m going to go home with the boss lady and see. I’m going to go home and drop the kids, do the school run. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. Thank you very much, United kingdom I really appreciate you. I was born in Zimbabwe, I came over when I was 16, I got in trouble and then got addicted to boxing. I didn’t know I was going to get addicted. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. Derek Chisora said this will be his last fight Credit: Peter Cziborra/Reuters 12:07AM Wilder’s ‘love’ for Chisora Link copied to clipboard This is my brother, I love him so much. A lot of people just say things but I mean it. We’re both warriors, as much as we’re friends, we’re now best friends because we spent some time in the ring together. I’m going to invite him to Alabama and we’re going to have a cookout. 12:07AM Wilder believes he has ‘healed’ Link copied to clipboard I feel good, glory to god because without him nothing is possible. Derek is a warrior, he’s a lion. I come to fight. A lot of people throw dirt on me, you can’t throw dirt on somebody who’s chosen. You witnessed what power, glory and destiny is all about. I want to thank everybody that came out tonight. What a magnificent fight it was, I want to thank Derek. Tonight was very fun, I had a good time in the ring. Derek got a lot of good shots off but it was nothing to a king. It was a lot of fun, I had to heal but I’m back and going to get better every time. What a fun night. 11:57PM Wilder says he backed off after seeing Chisora was hurt Link copied to clipboard I saw the veins popping out of his temple towards the end of the fight and I didn’t want to hurt my brother. I said ‘you’ve got to live for your kids.’ I started having fun in there because I didn’t want to hurt him. 11:49PM Deontay Wilder wins by split decision Link copied to clipboard This is how the judges scored it: 115-111 Wilder, 115-112 Chisora, 115-113 Wilder. Deontay Wilder celebrates  Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 11:47PM How will the judges score it? Link copied to clipboard It was not an exhibition of technique so hard to to gauge where the judges will land. Wilder probably had more prolonged spells landing cleaner punches, but Chisora controlled more territory in the ring. 11:45PM Round 12 Link copied to clipboard “It’s not about technique, it’s about who wants it most,” was Anthony Joshua’s verdict from ringside. It has been a street fight and a war of attrition. The two fighters grapple in the corner after a couple of body shots from Chisora. The crowd are chanting Chisora’s name, trying to get him across the line. “How are the judges going to judge it, it’s not been a boxing match!” says Carl Frampton. Chisora and Wilder hold as the clock ticks down, before Chisora lunges forward and punches fresh air. He goes for one more right-handed haymaker just before the bell, but Wilder evades it and the two fighters embrace. Is that Chisora’s last round as a professional boxer? Verdict: Chisora 10-9 Credit: Adam Davy/PA 11:41PM Round 11 Link copied to clipboard Both fighters hit the canvas is the penultimate round, and the crowd erupts when Wilder goes down, but the referee ruled both incidents were slips. Very little to separate them going into the final round. Verdict: Wilder 10-8 11:36PM Round 10 Link copied to clipboard Chisora goes to the corner now, and is just looking to eat seconds up. There is stalemate for much of the round, with Wilder wary of making a mistake or letting a combination go that could exhaust him. With 30 seconds on the clock, Chisora throws a thumping right hand, but Wilder is still up. Both fighters have defied the odds by going this far. Live Forever plays as the camera pans to Noel Gallagher ringside. Verdict: Wilder 10-9 11:33PM Round nine Link copied to clipboard This is now a test of stamina and heart, and Chisora has plenty of both. Just one of Wilder’s career victories have been by decision. “You’re hitting him, now we have to put more in to the one to get him,” says Wilder’s corner. Verdict: Wilder 10-9 11:27PM Round eight Link copied to clipboard The most dramatic round of the contest so far. Chisora landed a heavy overhand right, but Wilder responds with a barrage of punches which rock the Londoner and open up the cut near his left eye. Wilder then knocks him down with a left, but somehow Chisora makes the count. Wilder then appeared to let an opportunity slide to finish Chisora off. How much longer can Chisora last? But there is a late counter-attack from Chisora, capitalising on a missed shot to shake Wilder with a left hand. Verdict: Wilder 10-8. Wilder point deducted Wilder knocks down Chisora Credit: Peter Cziborra/Reuters Credit: Adam Davy/PA 11:23PM Round seven Link copied to clipboard Wilder is lacking explosiveness in his punches now, the hesitancy that has plagued him in his four defeats form six is in evidence again. Chisora launches himself into a punch but slips, dragging Wilder down with him. Verdict: Wilder 10-9 Chisora’s left hand lands Credit: Adam Davy/PA 11:20PM Round six Link copied to clipboard Chisora misses with a big swing of his right hand and Wilder counter-attacks without any great success. Wilder’s tactics continue to evasive, wary of that overhand from Chisora. Both fighters are starting to tire now, it has been all-action from the first bell. Chisora has a sizeable cut now, and he takes a piercing uppercut from Wilder at the end of the round. Verdict: Wilder 10-9 Derek Chisora with a cut to his left eye Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 11:15PM Round five Link copied to clipboard Both fighters slip in the first two minutes of the fifth, but Chisora’s strategy looks to be bearing more fruit now, landing some good shots to the body and Wilder looking more ineffective after his early flurry of punches. Verdict: Chisora 10-9 11:12PM Round four Link copied to clipboard Chisora continues to stay on the front foot, but Wilder is little too happy to stay on the back foot. The American looks like he can do damage but is a little cautious. Then Chisora catches Wilder flush with an overhand right, but he absorbs it, before Chisora follows it up with another right-handed shot. Caught Wilder a shuddering blow to the jaw, but he stands back and smiles at his opponent from the ropes. Verdict: Chisora 10-9 11:07PM Round three Link copied to clipboard Wilder walks down Chisora again towards the corner, but there was not maximum power behind his right hand shot. Chisora goes to the body again and tries to tie up Wilder and deny him any rangy punches. Chisora then lunged forward and exposed himself, but Wilder did not make full-on contact, but it looks like Chisora is struggling with his eye of vision. He is having urgent talks with his corner. Verdict: Wilder 10-9 11:03PM Round two Link copied to clipboard Chisora has remarkable resilience and an ability to absorb punches, but those qualities are being tested to the maximum already. Wilder catches his chin with an uppercut, before a right hand does some damage to the back of Chisora’s head. Wilder has taken this round, but Chisora is managing to hang in there. Slips, down on one knee on the canvas. The round ends with the fighters holding, with Chisora trying those smothering tactics again. Verdict: Wilder 10-9 Wilder catches Chisora on the top of the head Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 10:58PM Round one Link copied to clipboard Wilder is far leaner than his opponent, and Chisora walks into a right hand. Chisora responds with blows to the body before they hold. It looks like Wilder is adopting an extra wide stance to box from range. Chisora comes forward again and tries to lean on Wilder, smother his right hand. The heavyweights then tumble over the ropes, with Chisora guilty of grappling which earns a stern word from the referee. Verdict: Wilder 10-9 Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder fall over the ropes Credit: Adam Davy/PA 10:55PM The bell sounds! Link copied to clipboard What are we in for here? Deontay Wilder was not perturbed by the boos Credit: Peter Cziborra/Reuters 10:51PM Signs of emotion from Chisora Link copied to clipboard Only his eyes are visible above a Union Flag scarf wrapped across his mouth, and it looked like he was welling up as he took in the atmosphere. He is wearing a full-length black trench coat with diamanté patterning across the collar, and a big Stetson. Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 10:49PM The ringwalks are under way Link copied to clipboard Deontay Wilder emerges to a soulful power ballad, and now Derek Chisora starts his walk to Hotel California by The Eagles. Loud boos for Wilder as you would expect, with Londoners getting behind Chisora. Deontay Wilder walks to the ring Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 10:31PM Riley wins by unanimous decision Link copied to clipboard The judges score it 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 in his favour against Masternak. The judges ruled it was a comprehensive win for Viddal Riley Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 10:15PM The atmosphere building in south London Link copied to clipboard Great atmosphere for the swansong for British boxing icon Derek Chisora. A who’s who from British boxing has turned out: including Anthony Joshua, here alongside promoter Eddie Hearn and emerging rugby union star Henry Pollock. England and Northampton Saints rugby player Henry Pollock Credit: Peter Cziborra/Reuters Anthony Joshua alongside promoter Eddie Hearn Credit: Peter Cziborra/Reuters 10:10PM Joshua has paid Chisora a visit Link copied to clipboard Final advice from @anthonyjoshua. Thankyou brother 🙏🏾 #warchisora #chisorawilder @PlayUndisputed pic.twitter.com/yEMmt5l3XV — Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) April 4, 2026 10:09PM Viddal Riley vs Mateusz Masternak in progress Link copied to clipboard Riley has been the dominant force after eight rounds in this fight for the European cruiserweight title. Viddal Riley sends a right hand over the top Credit: Adam Davy/PA 9:58PM Noel Gallagher backs Chisora Link copied to clipboard Noel Gallagher backing Chisora to WIN against Deontay Wilder 💥 #ChisoraWilder | April 4 | London | Exclusively live on @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/wC7aUURFrp — Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 4, 2026 9:20PM Inside Chisora’s dressing room Link copied to clipboard Zion Chisora ❤️🥊 #warchisora #chisorawilder pic.twitter.com/larAHRQlh8 — Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) April 4, 2026 9:06PM Bentley wins by TKO! Link copied to clipboard A right-hand rocked Saavedra and Bentley pressed home the advantage to end the fight in the seventh round.  Denzel Bentley’s right hand settled the fight Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images Denzel Bentley celebrates Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 9:04PM Chisora took the Jubilee Line to the O2 Arena Link copied to clipboard We are on our way. See you on @DAZNBoxing 🙏🏾 #chisorawilder pic.twitter.com/93Z4bXkyfW — Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) April 4, 2026 9:00PM Not much to separate Bentley and Saavedra after seven rounds Link copied to clipboard Endry Saavedra jabs at Denzel Bentley Credit: Adam Davy/PA 8:28PM Farage has arrived to support Chisora Link copied to clipboard The next undercard fight is Denzel Bentley vs Endry Saavedra. Nigel Farage arrives at The O2 London for #ChisoraWilder 👀 Get your PPV: @DAZNBoxing | LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/FQb4VkRato — MFProBoxing (@MFProBoxing) April 4, 2026 8:27PM Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are in the building Link copied to clipboard A busy week for Hearn, after signing up England rugby tyro Henry Pollock. 8:12PM Matty Harris wins by KO! Link copied to clipboard Ignatius with eyes wide open, looking startled on the canvas, but it is a decisive victory for Harris courtesy of a second-round KO. Matty Harris knocks down Franklin Ignatius Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 8:07PM More Chisora’s arrival ... Link copied to clipboard Chisora's final walk to the O2🚶 Could this be the perfect final FIGHT NIGHT #ChisoraWilder | April 4 | London | Exclusively live on ⁦@DAZNBoxing⁩ pic.twitter.com/Y8rDr6ikSt — Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 4, 2026 7:53PM Anderson stops Dujon in the final round Link copied to clipboard A barrage of punches by the American in the final round preserves his 100 per cent knock out record. A plucky performance from Dujon to take him that far. The next fight on the card Matty Harris vs Franklin Ignatius Amir Anderson punches Jordan Dujon Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images 7:49PM Chisora has arrived at the arena Link copied to clipboard Draped in a Union Flag waistcoat, and his mouth his covered by a garment with the same pattern. In the ring, Anderson vs Dujon has gone the full distance of eight rounds. BEST ARRIVAL EVER?? 🤔 Let us know in the comments below👇#ChisoraWilder | April 4 | London | Exclusively live on ⁦@DAZNBoxing⁩ pic.twitter.com/4gynhQHJ7x — Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 4, 2026 7:19PM Our first undercard result Link copied to clipboard Ashton Sylve, with the pink gloves, got the better of Raul Antonio in their super-lightweight contest.  American Amir Anderson and Briton Jordan Dujon are in the ring now for a middleweight fight. Ashton Sylve lands a punch on Raul Antonio Credit: Adam Davy/PA Ashton Sylve celebrates Credit: Adam Davy/PA 7:00PM How the fighters compare Link copied to clipboard 6:55PM Britain’s weirdest bromance: Farage and Chisora Link copied to clipboard On the surface, they are the ultimate odd couple. One is a privately educated former commodities trader from Kent; the other a Zimbabwean-born brawler who found his salvation in the gloved combat of north London. Yet the “sweet science” has a unique way of stripping back the veneer. Farage, 62, tells me: “Derek’s a role model in two ways: he’s an immigrant to Britain and has adopted our set of beliefs. He’s a fantastic role model for kids in big cities who are drawn into drugs and petty crime. Derek as a young man could have been dragged into that life and in and out of prison but he turned it around. His faith was important too, and he bettered himself and is a role model to kids and people from the black community.” 6:54PM Chisora seems more likely than Wilder to defy Father Time Link copied to clipboard John Fury made headlines by claiming son Tyson has not been the same since his trilogy of fights against Deontay Wilder, but the same can be said of the American. Wilder, a former WBC heavyweight world champion, has not beaten a ranked opponent since Luis Ortiz in 2019, losing four of his last six fights. Three of those were knockout defeats, and though The Bronze Bomber knocked out Tyrrell Herndon last June that contest was a glorified warm-up. By contrast, Wilder’s opponent Derek Chisora has defied the odds, his age, and his slugging style of boxing to topple Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin in his last three fights. Chisora claims that tonight’s bout at London’s O2 Arena will be his last as a professional boxer, but the 42-year-old has said that previously before returning to the ring. Wilder and Chisora have been in the top 10 of the heavyweight division for years but this is the first time they will touch gloves. By coincidence, it is both men’s 50th professional fight. Chisora’s record reads 36-13, 23KOs, while Wilder’s reputation for destruction is reflected in a record of 44-4-1, 43KOs. Chisora weighed in at a career-heaviest 19st, some 40lb more than Wilder who tipped the scales at 16st 17lb. Ordinarily, you would say the heavier man would be disadvantaged by a fight becoming a test of stamina in the late rounds, but Wilder has won just one fight by decision in his career. It is said the American has focused on becoming a more technical fighter behind his jab, though some observers have concluded that is a sign of hesitancy. Chisora is lion-hearted and not afraid to take a blow. This is how the card for the night looks: Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder (heavyweight) Viddal Riley vs Mateusz Masternak (cruiserweight) Denzel Bentley vs Endry Saavedra (vacant WBO interim middleweight title) Ashton Sylve vs Raul Antonio (super-lightweight) Matty Harris vs Franklin Ignatius (heavyweight) Amir Anderson vs Jordan Dujon (middleweight) Dan Toward vs Misael Da Veiga (super-welterweight) Jermaine Dhliwayo vs Jake Morgan (super-featherweight) Abner Teixeira vs TBA (heavyweight)