Chisora v Wilder: Derek Chisora beaten by Deontay Wilder on points
Derek Chisora was defeated on points by Deontay Wilder in the heavyweight bout, which was expected to be his last professional match at the O2 Arena in London.
The 42-year-old Chisora was dropped in the eighth round and sent through the ropes. The Briton looked in danger of being stopped several times as Wilder struggled to finish the race, but the veteran somehow managed to come back.
American Wilder was awarded a split decision with scores of 115-111 and 115-113, while one judge gave Chisora a score of 115-112.
After the fight, Wilder said: “I had a lovely opponent. I knew Derek would bring everything he had.
“I saw his temple starting to swell in the ring and I said, ‘You have to live for your children.’ So many lives have been lost in this ring, no one cares about us. We fighters have to look out for each other.”
“I took care of her tonight, I want her to live for her children. It’s time for us to take care of each other. I have seven friends, they are my best friends. Children, I’m coming home.”
Due to the almost inexplicable progression of the contest, both men suffered heavy penalties.
Chisora had moments in the fifth round that particularly stunned the 40-year-old Wilder, but the former world champion ultimately deserved the decision.
Remarkably, this was the 50th match of both men’s careers. London’s Chisora, who now has 14 defeats, had previously said it would be his last fight but was hesitant to confirm his retirement when his family joined the ring.
It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t particularly elite, but it was undeniably fun. For Wilder, this represents his best win in years and extends a career that may be nearing its end.
