Yesterday on the south bank of the River Thames, London Bridge, two forty-plus world heavyweights were the entertaining focus of the Official Launch press conference of ‘100’- the April 4 clash of Dereck Chisora and Deontay Wilder at the O2 Arena, London.
Both fighters are acknowledged to be in the twilight of their careers and that was evident from the speeches and the mutual respect and “love” expressed throughout by the two protagonists. It’s doubtful whether this is the best recipe for a prizefight, but the contest offers much interest and world title significance. Both will be having their fiftieth professional contest, hence the billing.
These are two boxers who’ve campaigned for most of their careers at an elite world level. American Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion, and recently recognised by The Ring magazine as the hardest punching heavyweight champion of all-time. Some accolade given those that have preceded him (Louis, Shavers et al). Granted, with a 44-4-1 (43 KOs) record he’s not what he was, but his ‘Bomb Squad’ moniker, which he shouted on arrival, is still warranted.
‘Del Boy’ Chisora (36-13,23 KOs), coming into Oasis’ Hello is now a British boxing institution having competed and failed twice for the WBC heavyweight championship and been involved in all manner of competitive domestic and world professional contests. Since losing to Tyson Fury in December 2022 he has won three on the spin (last defeating Otto Wallin in February 2025).
Chisora has fought and lost to Vitali Klitchko in December 2012 and Fury three times (a trilogy which Wilder also shares with Fury), the first being a sensational draw in December 2018.
At the press conference, Chisora being the current ‘gatekeeper’ to Oleksandr Usyk’s unified world crown was alluded to, which is justified. He pushed Usyk all the way in October 2020, losing on a competitive unanimous decision.
He remains adamant though that this will be his last fight, but with a twinkle is his eye and many quips.
For Wilder, from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this fight represents a boxing rebirth after some emotional and mental problems as he attempts to recover his status and ultimately world titles. All his losses have come in the last six years, with his last win being his previous fight in June 2025. He now attempts to continue that momentum with a win against a ‘name’.
the press conference was light-hearted throughout, but with a sense of jeopardy and both fighters trying to reassure the audience that come fightnight this will be ‘War’.
The event is co-promoted by MF Pro and Frank Warren’s Queensberry; the former being what Kalle Sauerland repeatedly refers to as “The new kid on the block making the big fights”. It will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN.
Wilder was represented by legendary fight and music promoter Shelly Finkel who, after paying a tribute to compere Adam Smith and his successful health challenge, which drew applause, then finished with about the fight; “It’s a great test . I think my guy wins but I don’t think it will be easy by any means… It’s something the fans will walk away saying, Wow, I’m glad I saw that… It’s a very dangerous fight and I’m glad to be part of it”.
Tickets go on general sale tomorrow (Feb 6) and sure to be sought after. The build up and event will be entertaining.
Whether either fight again after this is unknown, but as was repeatedly said yesterday – the loser will have nowhere to go.
Catch it if you can.
The Undisputed 