Wilder wins split decision over Chisora before confronting Joshua at ringside to push long-awaited heavyweight fight
Deontay Wilder edged Derek Chisora by split decision over 12 rounds in London. Moments later, Wilder confronted Anthony Joshua at ringside and called for the fight directly.
Wilder secured a split decision over Chisora at the O2 Arena, but the fight itself told a more complicated story. Scores of 115-111 and 115-113 favored Wilder, with one judge seeing it 115-112 for Chisora in a physical contest that stayed close throughout.
Chisora pressed from the opening bell, working his way inside and forcing Wilder to fight at a pace he does not usually prefer. He worked the body and kept coming forward, turning exchanges into short-range battles and making Wilder give ground in several rounds.
Wilder had his success when he kept space. He found the target with straight right hands and used his jab to slow Chisora’s advance, landing the cleaner punches even when the rounds remained competitive. Several sequences broke down into clinches and rough exchanges, with both fighters having moments and neither man separating clearly.
A point deduction against Wilder for pushing during clinches added to the tension on the scorecards. By the final rounds, the fight was still within reach for both men, with Chisora’s pressure competing against Wilder’s more accurate work.
The decision reflected that split view. Wilder’s cleaner punching carried two cards, while Chisora’s workrate and pressure earned the third.
Moments after the decision, Wilder walked across the arena floor and approached Anthony Joshua at ringside, turning the post-fight scene into a direct callout.
“Let’s do it. He’s scared as f***,” Wilder said, making his position clear without hesitation.
The exchange lasted seconds but shifted attention immediately. A fight that has been discussed for years moved back into focus without any formal announcement.
Eddie Hearn later gave a measured reaction, acknowledging Wilder’s win while questioning the performance. The result keeps Wilder active among the leading heavyweights, but the narrow margin and competitive rounds leave open questions about how he matches up at the highest level.
Chisora stayed with his approach, pressed forward, forced exchanges, and made Wilder work every round. Even in defeat, his pressure left no room for easy rounds.
The outcome keeps Wilder in position for major fights, with Joshua now directly in the frame following the post-fight confrontation.