Deontay Wilder wants to face Derek Chisora as a tune-up clash in 2026 before pursuing Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder’s action has been sparse in the squared circle in recent years, with just one win to his name since 2023.
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Wilder and Chisora faced off and are now both all in on a huge showdown in 2026
The ‘Bronze Bomber’ beat American journeyman Tyrrell Herndon last June, but was considered by most to be well beyond his best days.
But in incredible fashion, current unified champion Usyk decided to issue a call-out to the American, insisting it was his priority fight for 2026.
After the news, Wilder revealed to talkSPORT that the pair are in active negotiations for a showdown.
Although when attending the recent IBA event headlined by Murat Gassiev’s victory over Kubrat Pulev, Wilder faced off with British veteran Chisora.
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The pair teased a clash for Chisora’s 50th and seemingly final bow, and now the former world champion has suggested it could take place early next year.
“Derek Chisora, you want it, you can get it,” he said.
“That’s for sure. That might be my warm-up fight. I’ll see what people think about that.
“We were supposed to fight years ago, and I got in some legal trouble and it meant I couldn’t travel.
“It was supposed to happen and it didn’t happen, and this opportunity means it can happen.”
Is Wilder vs Chisora going to happen?
The fight could certainly be a realistic possibility, but Wilder would be brave to treat it as a tune-up fight.
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Chisora wants a big name for his seeming final bow in the ring and Wilder fits the bill
Chisora has recently rolled back the years in the twilight stages of his career, beating Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin in three consecutive victories.
And ‘WAR’ even revealed the pair were set to meet this month, but the plug was pulled at short notice.
So a bout is certainly on the cards, and Chisora wants to lure him back to the negotiating table.
He said: “That is the fight number 50 right there.
“I showed it to you. I wasn’t meant to show it to you, but I figured I’m right here, so let’s do it.
“George Warren made this fight for December 13, and then Deontay got a phone call from the big boss, and he had to pull out.
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder separated during face-off as they tease fight!
“But I believe that deal has dropped, so it’s come back on. It will happen, whoever wants to put it on. I believe Frank Warren will put it on.”