Derek Chisora Believes Deontay Wilder Can Perform Well Against Oleksandr Usyk
British boxer Derek Chisora has shared his thoughts on the upcoming match between former world champion Deontay Wilder and Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk, expressing confidence in Wilder's abilities despite some weaknesses.
British boxer Derek Chisora, known for his extensive career in the ring, has voiced his opinion regarding the highly anticipated bout between former world champion Deontay Wilder and Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk. Chisora, who recently faced Wilder in a match, believes that the American boxer possesses all the potential to excel in the ring, despite noticing certain vulnerabilities in his fighting style.
According to the 42-year-old Chisora, Wilder, although he tends to lose some of his power after the third round, remains a dangerous opponent for anyone. "Wilder will perform well [in the fight against Usyk]. He has strength. Wilder has power in the first three rounds, and then he slightly fades, but that punch is always there. I’m not going to take that away from him," Chisora stated, emphasizing that opponents should remain cautious against Wilder throughout the entire duration of the fight.
Interestingly, on the night of April 5, 2023, Deontay Wilder secured a victory over Derek Chisora himself. The match went the full distance, with judges awarding Wilder the win with scores of 115−111, 112−115, and 115−113, indicating a fiercely contested battle in the ring.
On the other hand, Oleksandr Usyk has long expressed his desire to face Deontay Wilder in the ring. However, it has recently come to light that the Ukrainian boxer has opted to meet kickboxer Rico Verhoeven instead. This bout for the WBC title is scheduled for May 23, 2026, in Giza, Egypt. This decision has sparked considerable discussion among boxing fans, as many were eagerly anticipating a showdown between Usyk and Wilder.
It is worth recalling that last year, Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time, knocking out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round. However, he later relinquished his title, refusing to hold onto the WBO belt, which raised concerns among his supporters.
Earlier reports indicated that Tyson Fury, another prominent boxer, criticized Wilder and Chisora following their fight in London, expressing his view that both fighters did not showcase their best performances in that match. These comments further highlight the tense atmosphere in the boxing world, where each fight can significantly impact the careers of the athletes involved.