Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora ‘finalising’ deal for fight with date to risk Oleksandr Usyk plan

Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora are set to meet in a surprise showdown this April.

That is according to recent reports including from renowned boxing writer Dan Rafael, who has suggested that a deal is close to being finalised.

It looked as though the ‘Bronze Bomber’ would next face unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Wilder revealed to talkSPORT that talks had been opened over a showdown, with the Ukranian calling for a showdown which would be a voluntary defence of his titles.

However, it appears that Wilder will now take an interim fight beforehand which will see him touch gloves with British veteran Chisora.

It is believed that the event is being slated for April in London, with the American set to fight on British shores for the first time in his career.

The event will act as Chisora’s retirement fight, having gunned for a big name in his 50th and suggested final outing.

Previously, the pair had looked set to met in December of last year, but the deal collapsed.

‘WAR’ posted a video of himself appearing to sign a fight contract with the numbers ’50’ attached to the post, in a massive hint that a deal is agreed.

A showdown between Wilder and Usyk is likely still part of the plan for later in 2026.

And it is believed the 40-year-old may see Chisora as a ‘tune-up’ fight for a future tilt with the divisional king.

But that is a significant risk to take given Chisora’s late flurry of form, which sees him on a three-fight winning streak.

GETTY

The British fan favourite has exceeded expectations in the twilight stages of his career and will be a dangerous threat to Wilder’s planned clash with Usyk.

Should he lost to Chisora, it is almost certain that his chances of one final shot at heavyweight gold will be scuppered.

What does this mean for Wilder vs Usyk?

For now it appears the bout will be delayed until Wilder has come through any clash with Chisora.

New promotion iVisit Boxing had suggested they were looking to stage the event as part of a historic plan in the US this year, but Usyk has distanced himself from the plans.

Usyk is now in talks with Dana White over a switch to new banner Zuffa Boxing, where he hopes to replicate the success of the UFC in MMA.

Should he ink a deal, it could see a pursuit of a clash with Wilder renewed if he comes through his shock test unscathed.

GETTY

Usyk could even look elsewhere with hot talent and leading heavyweight Agit Kabayel now even being considered.

Chisora’s chances against Wilder

Wilder has been in poor form recently having suffered back-to-back defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang in 2023 and 2024.

He responded with a victory over journeyman Tyrell Herndon last year, but has struggled to replicate his powerful displays in his prime years.

Meanwhile Chisora is at the opposite end of the form table, beating Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and most recently Otto Wallin.

If Wilder in any way underestimates the experienced Briton, he could find himself in a very difficult predicament.