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Wilder claims split-decision victory over Chisora in final bout
Deontay Wilder secured a hard-fought split decision against Derek Chisora in a chaotic heavyweight clash at London's O2 Arena, likely marking the end of the British boxer's 17-year career.
The fight
Chisora, 42, was knocked down in the eighth round and briefly sent through the ropes, enduring relentless pressure from Wilder. Despite moments of resilience-including a fifth-round stunner that rocked the American-the veteran was outpointed on two of three judges' scorecards (115-111, 115-113), with the third favoring Chisora 115-112.
Both fighters absorbed brutal punishment, with Wilder later admitting he held back to avoid a fatal outcome. "I saw his temple swell and told him, 'You've got to live for your kids,'" Wilder said post-fight. "Too many lives have been lost in this ring. We have to look out for each other."
Chaos and controversy
The bout began bizarrely, with the fighters tangled on the ropes in the first round as Chisora's corner briefly entered the ring. Wilder dominated early exchanges, but Chisora rallied in the fifth, landing a trademark overhand right that momentarily staggered the former WBC champion.
The eighth round proved pivotal: Wilder's right hand-a punch responsible for 43 of his 44 previous knockouts-dropped Chisora, who beat the count at eight. Wilder was later deducted a point for pushing, and both men hit the canvas again in the 11th, though neither knockdown was officially ruled.
Chisora's legacy
Chisora, now 33-14, hinted this was his final fight, though he hesitated to confirm retirement when joined by family post-bout. A two-time world title challenger, he shared the ring with legends like Tyson Fury and Vitali Klitschko but never claimed a major belt.
Known for his durability and showmanship, Chisora became one of British boxing's most reliable ticket-sellers, filling arenas despite a career marred by controversy-including a 2010 assault conviction and a ban for biting an opponent. "He's a warrior, a gatekeeper, and a showman," analysts noted, though his polarizing behavior often overshadowed his in-ring achievements.
Wilder's uncertain future
For Wilder, 40, the win-his first significant victory since his 2021 trilogy loss to Fury-revives hopes of a late-career resurgence. Oleksandr Usyk recently floated Wilder as a potential opponent, while crossover fights (e.g., against Francis Ngannou) remain possibilities.
Yet signs of decline were evident: Wilder's once-devastating right hand lacked its former explosiveness, and his movement appeared labored. "Father Time has almost caught up to the Bronze Bomber," commentators observed.
What's next?
Chisora's retirement would close a chapter for British boxing, ending a career that spanned eras from his 2007 debut to facing a new generation of heavyweights. Wilder, meanwhile, faces a crossroads: chase another title shot or pivot to exhibition-style bouts.
"I want him to live for his kids. It's time we take care of each other."
Deontay Wilder
