Deontay Wilder Issues Direct Challenge to Anthony Joshua Following London Victory
Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has reignited hopes for one of boxing's most anticipated matchups, calling out Anthony Joshua immediately after securing a hard-fought split-decision victory over Derek Chisora in London on Saturday night. The dramatic post-fight confrontation saw Wilder approach Joshua, who was seated with promoter Eddie Hearn, resulting in a fist-bump and a clear message: "Let's do it."
Long-Awaited Heavyweight Showdown Finally Within Reach
Wilder, who improved his record to 45-4-1 with 43 knockouts, wasted no time in targeting the British superstar after his victory. "It wasn't a few words, I dapped it up with him and I said, now let's get it on," Wilder declared. "I'm ready for whoever, [as] long as these guys are in the heavyweight division, I am here. You can call me Mr Clean, because I want to clean up the whole division. The division is nothing without Deontay Wilder."
This potential matchup represents what many consider the last opportunity for these former champions to face each other in their primes. When Wilder held the WBC title and Joshua possessed the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, negotiations repeatedly failed to produce a unified championship bout. Both fighters have since experienced setbacks, with Wilder losing to Tyson Fury and Joshua surrendering his titles to Oleksandr Usyk, who became unified champion by defeating Fury in May 2024.
Eddie Hearn Confirms Joshua's Readiness Despite Recent Trauma
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, who witnessed the exchange firsthand, confirmed that the British boxer would have no hesitation accepting the challenge. "He said, let's do it. AJ sort of stared at him ice cold, but he would fight him no problem," Hearn told Fight Hub TV. This assurance comes despite Joshua's recent traumatic experience in Nigeria, where he was hospitalized following a car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends just days after his December knockout victory over Jake Paul.
Derek Chisora Bows Out After Valiant Final Performance
The Wilder-Chisora bout itself marked the end of an era, as the 42-year-old British heavyweight confirmed his retirement after his 50th professional contest. Despite climbing off the canvas in the eighth round and pushing Wilder to the distance in what many considered one of his career-best performances, Chisora (36-14, 23KOs) fell short on the judges' scorecards (115-111, 112-115, 115-113).
"Listen, it was a great fight, I've got to go home and talk to the boss and it is what it is," Chisora reflected alongside his son Zion. "You know what, I'll be honest with you, I'm tired now. I can't do it any more. You know when you know it's time, it is time. I've had a great career. It has been amazing."
Chisora's wild 17-year professional journey included memorable moments like spitting water at Wladimir Klitschko, brawling with David Haye, and his trademark table-flipping antics. While confirming his retirement from fighting, the Finchley boxer hinted at remaining involved in the sport. "I say it's not over, I didn't say I was going to fight again but I might do something else in boxing," Chisora said. "What? I don't know. The God's honest truth, I don't know."
Women's Boxing Also Shines on London Card
The event also featured significant action in women's boxing, with Caroline Dubois defeating Terri Harper on points to add the WBO lightweight title to her existing WBC championship. This victory further establishes Dubois as a rising force in the women's lightweight division.
As the boxing world processes Chisora's emotional farewell, attention now shifts to whether Wilder and Joshua can finally deliver the heavyweight showdown that has eluded fans for years. With both fighters expressing willingness and their teams seemingly aligned, the long-stalled matchup appears closer to reality than ever before.
