Former heavyweight champion says Wilder’s timing and knockout punch have faded ahead of April 4 fight
Tyson Fury believes Derek Chisora will defeat Deontay Wilder when the veteran heavyweights meet at The O2 Arena in London on April 4.
The fight marks the 50th professional bout for both men, with the long-time rivals meeting at a stage where each is trying to prove there is still something left at the top level.
Fury knows both fighters better than most. He fought two trilogies during his career, winning two fights and drawing one against former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder, while defeating fellow Briton Chisora in all three of their meetings.
Speaking to Gareth A Davies, Fury explained why he expects Chisora to come out on top.
“I fancy Derek [to win]. I know Wilder is finished. He should have retired in 2021 after his last defeat [against me]. He didn’t and he’s ended up paying the price for a small amount of money, which he probably didn’t really need, but whatever. I don’t like to say what a man can and can’t earn in his life.
“Once you’re gone, you’re gone, and he’s completely shot to bits. I saw that against Joe [Parker] and I saw it against Zhang. When you get older and your timing goes, you lose the ability to pull the trigger, and that’s the key to all of it.
“When you rely on a one punch knockout that got him out of trouble 40-odd times in a row, and that’s gone, you’re finished. So I think Chisora stops him. Chisora is older and has had harder fights, but I think he has more left in the tank.”
Chisora and Wilder both enter the bout with long careers behind them. The London fight represents a milestone moment, marking their 50th appearance as professionals.
A stoppage would not be surprising. Chisora usually presses forward and throws combinations to the body and head, forcing exchanges that can break an opponent down over rounds.
Fury will be watching closely. One week after the O2 event, he returns to action himself against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, his first fight since December 2024.