Deontay Wilder defeated Derek Chisora by split decision in a thrilling heavyweight bout at the O2 Arena, sending the British veteran into retirement after a contest that lived up to its billing as a fight-of-the-year contender. The 42-year-old Chisora, fighting in the 50th and final bout of his professional career, showed remarkable resilience to take the former WBC champion the distance despite being knocked down in the eighth round.
Wilder, known for his devastating punching power, started strongly, wobbling Chisora with an uppercut in the first round and landing slick combinations in the second. However, Chisora rallied in the fourth, catching Wilder with a huge right hook that sparked a roar from the crowd. The British fighter forced Wilder to the ropes and landed another big right later in the round.
The eighth round was the most dramatic, as Chisora was sent to the canvas by a Wilder combination. He beat the count and fought back, forcing Wilder on to the ropes, but Wilder was deducted a point for a blow after the bell. The fight went the full 12 rounds, with the judges scoring it 115-111, 112-115, and 115-113 in favour of Wilder, giving the American a split-decision victory.
Chisora, who travelled to the arena on the London Underground, was greeted by Anthony Joshua making his first public appearance since a car crash in December that killed two close friends. The sold-out crowd gave Chisora a hero's reception throughout the fight, especially during the final round as he was serenaded one last time.
