Deontay Wilder Defeats Derek Chisora, Regains Heavyweight Relevance

The former champion's grit and power punches earn him a split decision victory and renewed big-fight options.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:48pm

Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion, overcame the odds and defeated Derek Chisora in a split decision victory in London. Despite being counted out by many, Wilder showcased his trademark power and fighting spirit, knocking down Chisora twice and landing 99 power punches. The win has reignited Wilder's relevance in the heavyweight division, opening up potential high-profile matchups against the likes of Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul, and Francis Ngannou.

Why it matters

Wilder's victory is a testament to his resilience and ability to bounce back from recent losses. The win has positioned him for lucrative fights that could propel him back into title contention and cement his legacy as one of the most exciting heavyweights of his era.

The details

In a sloppy but entertaining fight, Wilder landed several hard right hands on Chisora's jaw, scoring knockdowns in the 8th and 10th rounds. Despite some controversial officiating decisions, Wilder was awarded a split decision victory, landing 99 of 341 power punches thrown according to CompuBox data.

  • Wilder's victory over Chisora took place on April 5, 2026.
  • The fight was the 50th professional bout of Wilder's career.

The players

Deontay Wilder

A former WBC heavyweight champion known for his devastating knockout power and warrior spirit.

Derek Chisora

A British heavyweight boxer who was the hometown favorite in the fight against Wilder.

Anthony Joshua

A British heavyweight boxer who has expressed interest in a potential matchup against Wilder following the latter's victory.

Jake Paul

A popular YouTube personality-turned-boxer who could be a potential opponent for Wilder in a crossover spectacle fight.

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion who has also been mentioned as a potential opponent for Wilder in a boxing match.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Wilder's victory has opened up several potential high-profile matchups, including a fight against Anthony Joshua, a crossover bout with Jake Paul, or a showdown with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The timing and logistics of these potential fights will be key factors in determining Wilder's next move.

The takeaway

Deontay Wilder's grit and power have once again proven to be a formidable combination, as the former champion has regained relevance in the heavyweight division. His victory over Chisora serves as a reminder that Wilder's warrior spirit remains as strong as his feared right hand, setting the stage for potentially thrilling matchups against some of the division's biggest names.