Derek Chisora may have come out on the wrong side of the scorecards against Deontay Wilder, but he left London convinced he had done serious damage.
The heavyweight clash was as chaotic as expected, with both men enjoying spells of success across the 12 rounds. Wilder scored the two knockdowns that ultimately proved decisive on the cards, but he was also forced to absorb some punishment from a relentless Chisora, who refused to back off through 12.
Though Wilder secured the split decision victory, there is not doubt he was made uncomfortable in moments. His output dipped noticeably during some rounds, and Chisora, even after hitting the canvas, continued to press forward and land telling shots of his own.
Speaking after the fight, the Brit made a bold claim about the toll those exchanges had taken on his rival.
“I love Deontay, but I know I broke two things – his hand and his rib. Cause right not he can’t talk or stand right now.”
It is unclear how accurate the rib claim is, particularly given Wilder looked in good spirits celebrating with his team post-fight. A hand injry is much more likely, and something the American has contended with many times in the past.
For Chisora, it was another typically all-in performance – one that may yet prove to be his last, though he stopped short of confirming retirement afterwards. For Wilder, after any necessary recovery, victory keeps him in the mix and he said he would be targeting the top table.
