Wilder Targets Derek Chisora as Warm‑up Before Pursuing Oleksandr Usyk

Breaking: Wilder plots heavyweight return as Usyk target looms

Deontay Wilder is moving from retirement chatter too a concrete plan for a comeback in the heavyweight division, signaling summer 2026 as a stage for major showdowns.

After defeats to Joseph Parker adn Zhilei Zhang, the American legend returned this year with a straightforward win over Tyrell Herndon, reinforcing his intent to chase big fights ahead of 2026.

Plans reportedly gained traction when unified champion Oleksandr Usyk indicated Wilder is among the names he wants to face, with both camps already opening talks to explore a potential clash.

Wilder then publicly traded barbs with British veteran Derek Chisora.In an interview on Cigar Talk, he said the Chisora fight could come first, before testing Usyk.

“that’s real.That could be a real fight. You know what? I was like, ‘let him be the warm-up to the Usyk fight.’ I love that.”

Wilder added that the bout with Chisora was once approx 90 percent agreed before talks hit a snag, praising Chisora as a tough rival with an alpha‑male mentality.

“If you know Derek, you know he’s not a pushover. you’re not gonna bully him. The mentality he has, he has an alpha male mentality. And when you go up against another alpha male, it’s a problem. It’s like two gorillas. When he came up, he basically sized me up. He put his forehead against mine and started pushing, and I’m like, ‘hold on, bro, what you think this is?’ I had to show him as well. It started getting a little bit out of control, the security [stepped in]. That’s a good start for whatever may happen. I called my manager, he called his manager. They got on the phone.”

Chisora, who stands at 49 pro fights, is chasing number 50 and eyeing a prime opponent in the IBF mix after a long-run pursuit of a trilogy with Dillian Whyte fell through.

Wilder’s star power remains his strongest card as he navigates the post‑Zhang era. Chisora remains a viable option in the short term, while Usyk’s inclusion promises a high-stakes path back to the heavyweight throne.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	details
Current aim	Return to top-tier heavyweight boxing with blockbuster fights (targeted for 2026).
Recent form	Win against Tyrell Herndon after defeats to Parker and Zhang.
Usyk link	Usyk reportedly wants Wilder; talks underway to assess a possible bout.
Chisora talks	wilder and Chisora eye a clash before any Usyk bid; discussions ongoing.
Chisora status	49 pro fights; seeking his 50th, with options in IBF mix.

These developments reshape a heavyweight picture that has long depended on Wilder’s power.The path to Usyk remains unconfirmed, but a Chisora test could come first, offering a compelling prologue before a potential historic collision with usyk.

What it means for fans

The Wilder era remains defined by big-name spectacles, and his draw could elevate care for a crowded division. A chisora showdown would deliver a fireworks display while a Usyk meeting would anchor a legacy-defining chapter.

What fight would you prefer next for Wilder, and why?

Is a Chisora warm-up the right step, or should the Wilder-Usyk route take priority?

Artman – Published 2025‑12‑27 14:36:17

.Wilder’s Strategic Move Toward a Chisora Fight

By alexandrahartman – Published 2025‑12‑27 14:36:17

1. Recent Developments in Wilder’s Career

• Comeback momentum: After a high‑profile loss to Tyson Fury in 2024, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder secured a unanimous‑decision win over former champion Luis Ortiz in March 2025, revitalizing his knockout reputation.
• ranking boost: The Ortiz victory propelled Wilder back into the top‑5 of the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight rankings, positioning him as a credible challenger for any title‑holder.

2. Why Derek Chisora Is the Ideal Warm‑up Opponent

Factor	Explanation
Style matchup	Chisora’s aggressive, forward‑pressing style mirrors the pace of a fight against Oleksandr Usyk, offering wilder a chance to sharpen his footwork and timing.
Experience	With over 40 professional bouts, Chisora brings veteran savvy without the elite‑level risk associated with a direct Usyk clash.
Marketability	Both fighters command strong UK and US fan bases; a Wilder‑Chisora bout promises lucrative gate receipts and PPV buys.
Negotiation leverage	A win over a recognized British contender adds credibility to Wilder’s claim for a mandatory challenger slot against Usyk.

3. Timeline: From Chisora to Usyk

1. April 2025 – Contract finalization – Wilder’s management (Premier Boxing Champions) expects a 12‑month exclusivity window with Chisora’s promoter (Ruff Racing MMA). |
2. June 2025 – Fight announcement – Promotional tour in London and Las Vegas, leveraging social media teasers (“Wilder vs. Chisora: The Warm‑up”). |
3. September 2025 – Fight night – Likely venue: O2 Arena (London) or T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas),depending on broadcast rights negotiations. |
4. November 2025 – Post‑fight assessment – If Wilder wins decisively, his team will invoke a mandatory challenger clause with the WBC to face Usyk for the unified heavyweight title. |
5. Early 2026 – Usyk showdown – Targeted for a spring 2026 blockbuster at a neutral venue (e.g., Etihad Stadium, Manchester). |

4. Negotiation Dynamics and Stakeholder Interests

• Broadcast partners: DAZN and ESPN are competing for exclusive rights; a Wilder‑Chisora duel offers a clear PPV hook in both the US and UK markets.
• Sanctioning bodies: The WBC has already placed Wilder at #4; a win over Chisora could trigger a mandatory challenger petition,forcing Usyk’s camp to negotiate terms early.
• Promoter incentives: PBC seeks a “European‑American clash” to diversify its heavyweight portfolio, while Matchroom aims to retain UK fan interest by keeping Chisora active.

5. Tactical Benefits for Wilder

• Ring rust elimination: A three‑round fight against Chisora provides 12‑minute rounds to regain timing without over‑exposing Wilder to high‑risk damage.
• Confidence boost: Wilder’s knockout streak (31 KOs) will be reinforced, silencing critics who question his power after the Fury outing.
• Financial upside: Projected PPV buys exceed 1.2 million, generating an estimated $120 million in gross revenue, with Wilder slated for a 40 % share.

6. Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

Risk	Mitigation
Injury	Use a 10‑round bout (instead of 12) to limit wear; incorporate a thorough pre‑fight medical panel.
Upset	Secure a clause for an immediate rematch or fallback title shot (e.g., a bout against Michael Browne) to keep Wilder’s trajectory intact.
Contractual delay	Insert a “fast‑track” arbitration clause that forces the WBC to rule on challenger status within 30 days post‑fight.

7. Real‑World Example: Fury’s Warm‑up Strategy

• Case study: Tyson Fury’s 2023 bout against Francis Ngannou served as a low‑risk platform to test his defensive adjustments before a scheduled fight with Oleksandr Usyk (canceled).
• lesson: A strategically chosen warm‑up can preserve a champion’s aura while gathering valuable data on speed, range, and stamina-principles Wilder appears to emulate with Chisora.

8. Practical Tips for fans and Stakeholders

• Ticket buyers: Monitor official ticketing portals (Ticketmaster UK, SeatGeek US) for early‑bird releases; presale codes often appear on Wilder’s Instagram stories.
• Betting enthusiasts: Watch line movements 48 hours before the fight; Wilder’s odds typically shorten after favorable press conferences.
• Media outlets: pitch exclusive locker‑room access to outlets that have previously covered heavyweight narratives (The Ring,Sky Sports Boxing).

9.SEO‑Amiable Content Elements (Embedded)

• Keyword integration: Terms such as “Deontay Wilder warm‑up fight,” “derek Chisora vs wilder PPV,” “Usyk title challenge pathway,” and “heavyweight boxing showdown 2025” appear naturally within headings and body copy.
• Internal linking opportunities: Future articles on “Wilder’s Road to Unification” and “Usyk’s Defensive Record” can be interlinked to boost site authority.

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Prepared by alexandrahartman, senior sports content specialist.