What’s Next for Deontay Wilder After Defeating Derek Chisora?

Deontay Wilder survived a chaotic night at The O2 in London. He beat Derek Chisora by split decision on Saturday. The victory improved his record to 45-4-1, with 43 knockouts.

After defeating Derek Chisora many are asking what’s next for Deontay Wilder. The win kept his name relevant. It also opened several possible routes for his late-career comeback.

The fight and its aftermath

The contest was frenetic and closely contested. Chisora signalled retirement after the bout. Wilder celebrated like a fighter convinced he still has more to give.

Promoters and broadcasters see commercial value. A win over a veteran like Chisora can still generate paydays. But questions remain about the calibre of opposition.

Potential opponents and high-profile names

A number of elite heavyweights were mentioned after the fight. Anthony Joshua was present at The O2 and exchanged words with Wilder behind the scenes. The interaction fuelled talk of a possible meeting between the two stars.

• Anthony Joshua: Last fought in December, when he knocked out Jake Paul. He was reportedly recovering from a December car crash in Nigeria that killed two close friends.
• Oleksandr Usyk: The Ukrainian three-time undisputed champion is scheduled to defend the WBC belt on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza against Rico Verhoeven.
• Tyson Fury: Wilder and Fury completed a memorable trilogy from 2018 to 2021. The series began with a dramatic draw and ended with Fury stopping Wilder twice.
• Moses Itauma: The rising British heavyweight knocked out Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, improving to 14-0.

Usyk and the title picture

Usyk has been linked to several bouts. Rumours include another clash with Tyson Fury. He may also face Moses Itauma or the winner of Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois.

Usyk will defend his WBC title on May 23 in Egypt. Wilder has publicly expressed interest in facing Usyk. He called that matchup a goal for his career.

Wilder versus Joshua and Fury

A Wilder-versus-Joshua showdown still intrigues fans. Both men have shifted since their peaks. Joshua once held multiple unified titles while Wilder carried the WBC belt.

The Fury trilogy left lasting damage on both fighters. Wilder suffered stoppage losses to Fury after a dramatic three-fight rivalry. Another meeting between Wilder and Fury seems unlikely to provide fresh answers.

The rising challenge: Moses Itauma

Moses Itauma is the young name most mentioned after Wilder’s win. His knockout of Franklin captured attention. Wilder said he would not dodge promising challengers.

Itauma’s speed and power make him a risky opponent. Wilder, though past his peak, still offers knockout threat. A matchup would test both men’s claims in the heavyweight division.

What the win means for Wilder

The Chisora victory extended Wilder’s marketability. It also bought him time to pursue bigger fights. He framed the result as proof he can still climb the division.

Critics will judge the result against Chisora’s age and mileage. Supporters will point to Wilder’s resilience and knockout record. Either way, the win reshapes short-term matchmaking talks.

Reporting and analysis by Filmogaz.com.