The upcoming bout between Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder is more than just a fight—it’s a career-defining moment that could spell the end for one of these boxing legends. But here’s where it gets controversial: the winner might just earn a mandatory shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF heavyweight title, according to promoter Frank Warren. This high-stakes clash, set for April, pits the 42-year-old Chisora against the 40-year-old Wilder, both of whom are far from their prime but still packing power and determination. Warren bluntly states, ‘It’s the last chance saloon for both of them. One will walk out, the other will be shown the door—permanently.’ At their age, a loss here isn’t just a setback; it’s likely a career-ender. ‘They’re not youngsters who can bounce back,’ Warren adds, emphasizing the gravity of this fight.
But let’s flip the coin—the victor could find themselves in the spotlight as the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s IBF crown. Chisora, currently the highest-ranked contender in the IBF’s heavyweight ratings, is no stranger to this position. ‘The IBF will be calling for Usyk to defend,’ Warren explains, pointing out that Usyk has already been granted a voluntary defense by the WBC. After that, he’s slated to face Agit Kabayel, the WBC’s mandatory challenger. ‘But the mandatories are being ordered, and they’ll have to be dealt with,’ Warren notes, hinting that Wilder or Chisora could very well be next in line.
And this is the part most people miss: Usyk’s plans remain a wildcard. ‘What does Usyk want to do? Is he up for this, or is he looking elsewhere?’ Warren questions. Usyk, already a unified champion with the WBC and WBA belts, seems more focused on securing a big payday than chasing legacy fights. ‘He’s stamped his mark in boxing,’ Warren says. ‘He’s the heavyweight of the 21st century.’
Meanwhile, the boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for the all-female April show headlined by Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper, live on Sky Sports. This fight, dubbed ‘the one Dubois has been waiting for,’ promises to be a historic showdown with ‘so much on the line.’ Whether you’re a Sky subscriber or prefer streaming with NOW, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Controversial question for you: Is Usyk dodging legacy fights by prioritizing paydays, or is he simply securing his future after dominating the sport? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
