Wilder vs Chisora: A Dangerous Bromance Clash at London's O2 Arena
This Saturday night, the peculiar bromance between former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and perennial contender Derek Chisora brings them into a brutal manosphere clinch at London's O2 Arena. The testosterone will be pumping at full flood in their fight for little more than personal bragging rights, with both men planning to share a beer after their brawl—assuming they're physically able to make it to the bar.
The Age Factor and Physical Toll
That question of post-fight mobility is more serious than determining a winner. Forty is a dangerous age, as the saying goes, particularly for boxers. Wilder has reached that milestone, while Chisora is 42. Both protest that age is merely a number, but their years are scarred by the brutal punishment they've absorbed throughout their careers.
This confrontation marks the 50th professional fight for each man, giving rise to the event's "Fifty Fifty" banner—a nifty title that also alludes to the uncertain prediction of the outcome. There's nothing cute about these two veterans potentially beating the last remnants of vitality from each other. Something brutal seems more likely.
Warrior Mentality and Blood Lust
The more heroic these warriors appear, the louder the crowd will roar. Armchair audiences love the spectacle, and blood lust is inevitable in prizefighting. Neither Wilder nor Chisora is known to falter under fire. The danger lies in their being too brave for their own good—a trait they've demonstrated for nearly two decades.
Wilder, the devout son of a preacher, required what he described as "a great deal of help to mend me physically, mentally and spiritually" following his defeat to Tyson Fury. Whether encouraging these men to fight once more is wise remains questionable, but promoters, managers, and television paymasters won't know for certain until the final bell tolls.
Career Histories and Recent Form
London's "Del Boy" Chisora hardly knows what an easy fight looks like. He has lost 13 of his 49 bouts and has been taken the distance in 13 of his victories, many of which were battles royal. America's "Bronze Bomber" Wilder launched titanic missiles from his arsenal of freakishly massive punches to win his first 40 fights—all but one by quick-fire knockouts.
Then came the murderous trilogy with Tyson Fury, riddled with knockdowns for both fighters. That series imposed a first draw on the pride of Tuscaloosa, followed by the loss of the world heavyweight title he had held supreme for six years.
The Fury Trilogy Aftermath
The first Gypsy King fight ended with both Fury and Wilder believing they should have won. Both hit the canvas in the second fight, which Fury won decisively by seventh-round knockout. If that wasn't punishing enough, the third fight was a slugfest that profoundly affected both men.
After two knockdowns apiece—with Fury's fabled powers of recovery severely tested—Wilder's face suffered more damage as he was flattened nose-down in the 11th round. Fury would later say that final fight had taken something out of him permanently.
Comebacks and Psychological Scars
Wilder hinted at retirement for a year before spurring himself back into the ring. His comeback yielded two quick stoppages of lesser opponents but, more significantly, two defeats by world title contenders Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.
The psychological effects of such violence can be so disturbing that both Wilder and Chisora have been fortunate to escape prison sentences for domestic abuse incidents—for which both have apologized profusely.
Financial Motivations and Personal Lives
Chisora has also flirted with retirement but admits being addicted to boxing's thrills, glamour, and financial rewards. Both have accused boxing moguls of robbing them of substantial portions of their hard-earned purses.
Chisora is believed to have managed his millions more wisely. Wilder not only maintains an expensive lifestyle but also supports three mothers of his eight children. He remains constantly and heartwarmingly dedicated to the special care of his youngest daughter, who has spina bifida—her every small step toward normal life fills him with pride and delight.
Chisora, also a Christian, has two children. This weekend's substantial rewards from what could be a final hurrah will help secure many futures and, in its unusual way, solidify their mutual affection and respect.
Pre-Fight Promises and Retirement Plans
Says Chisora: "We've been friends a long time now. There will be none of my usual chair-smashing or table-throwing before this fight. No insults or menacing. Win or lose we will go for a pint once it's over."
Wilder echoes this sentiment: "Derek is my brother. You don't hurl threats at your brother. We are looking forward to this and will fight each other hard and honest. Then we'll have a drink, maybe dinner, together."
Del Boy promises his family and friends he will hang up his gloves on Sunday morning, adding: "I just want to go out on my 50th fight." Those who have admired his courage and persistence for so long—and been amused by his antics—hope he means it this time, for his own sake.
The Bronze Bomber sounds like he'll only retire if he loses this battle of his half-century: "We'll see how it goes. Whether it can lead to another world title fight." Those who have marveled at the mightiest puncher since Mike Tyson hope he knows when his race is run.
Possible Outcomes and Perfect Scenario
Two possible outcomes appear likely on the banks of the Thames. Either Wilder—who has looked more washed up lately—rediscovers his lost timing for pulling that deadly trigger and lands an early knockout, or Chisora survives the first few rounds and prevails late through non-stop attrition.
Perhaps the perfect outcome for this pair of trans-Atlantic buddies would be one of extreme rarity: both boxers launching concussive blows simultaneously, then being counted out simultaneously for a draw. That way, they could ride off into the sunset together.
Chisora versus Wilder will be streamed live on DAZN this Saturday night from London's O2 Arena.
