In a dramatic pre-fight statement that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has demanded that British veteran Derek Chisora attempt to 'try to kill me' when the two titans clash at London's O2 Arena on April 4th. This highly anticipated bout represents a landmark moment for both fighters, marking their 50th professional heavyweight contests in a career-defining showdown.
A Historic Double Milestone in London
The April event at the iconic O2 Arena carries profound significance beyond the typical championship stakes. For Derek Chisora, this will serve as his farewell fight before retirement, concluding a remarkable career that has seen him compete at the sport's highest level for over a decade. Simultaneously, both warriors will enter the ring for the 50th time in their professional journeys, creating a unique dual milestone rarely witnessed in modern boxing history.
What makes this matchup particularly extraordinary is its unconventional arrangement. The fight was organised directly between the two fighters over the phone, completely bypassing traditional promotional channels that typically mediate such high-profile contests. This personal approach underscores the unique relationship between the combatants, who have maintained mutual respect throughout their parallel careers at boxing's summit.
Wilder's Provocative Mindset and Remarkable Journey
Wilder elaborated on his startling pre-fight comments, revealing the psychological motivation behind his request for maximum aggression from his opponent. 'I told him I want you to try to kill me because I need that,' the American powerhouse explained. 'It's a special moment. My 50th, his 50th. One looking to retire, one looking to be the diamond in the rough.'
The Alabama native's path to boxing prominence remains one of the sport's most remarkable narratives. Wilder only began boxing at age 20, yet demonstrated such extraordinary natural talent that he secured an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games just three years later. His professional career peaked with a five-year reign as WBC heavyweight world champion, a title he held until his dramatic dethronement by Tyson Fury in 2020.
Despite the violent nature of their impending confrontation, Wilder was keen to emphasise the deep respect and friendship he shares with Chisora. 'We all have respect for each other,' he noted. 'I think it's going to bring us even closer. I don't think either of us is bigger than the other. It takes two fighters to be great and do what they have to do.'
Chisora's Contrasting Philosophy and Retirement Plans
The 42-year-old British fighter presented a strikingly different perspective on the approaching bout, despite acknowledging its competitive intensity. 'I don't want to see this fight with violence,' Chisora stated. 'There's too much violence in the world. There's so much love between me and this brother here.'
Chisora offered charming insights into their friendship that transcends their professional rivalry, including introducing Wilder to traditional British cuisine. 'I introduced him to fish and chips in Borough Market,' he revealed. 'It's real. He's my boy. After this fight I might go and stay in Alabama and just hang out there.'
The London-based fighter also praised Wilder's popularity in the United Kingdom, suggesting the American might actually be the bigger draw for British fight fans. 'I believe the United Kingdom loves Deontay Wilder,' Chisora observed. 'Everywhere he goes he's a star. I think he's a bigger star than me.'
Fight Arrangement and Recent Controversies
The Wilder-Chisora matchup emerged following a surprising turn in negotiations that had initially positioned Wilder for a potential bout against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. In a sudden pivot, Wilder instead pursued the direct arrangement with Chisora that led to their April showdown.
Wilder's fight week began with controversy when he walked out of a talkSPORT radio interview with presenter Steve Jordan, becoming visibly frustrated when questioned about his historic rivalry with Tyson Fury. This incident highlighted the lingering sensitivities surrounding his high-profile defeats to the British champion.
As both fighters prepare for their historic 50th professional contests, they approach the milestone with contrasting mindsets yet shared respect. Wilder views the timing as divinely orchestrated, remarking: 'God is an on-time guy. This is when it's supposed to happen.' Meanwhile, Chisora prepares to exit the sport he has graced for years, hoping to conclude his career with a performance that honours their friendship as much as their competitive spirits.
