Deontay Wilder on the Chisora fight: “It was 90% done”

Former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder has revealed that he really was in negotiations for a fight with British contender Derek Chisora.

“Yes, we really did discuss it. To be honest, everything was going very well. We were moving in the right direction. I’d say it was 90 percent done. We were already getting ready to get in there and go to war, have some fun, a little ‘meat,’ you know what I mean? It was supposed to be something serious. I was very excited. And then bam — that challenge came in (from Usyk),” Wilder said.

In June, Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) stopped Tyrrell Herndon by technical knockout in the seventh round. In December, Oleksandr Usyk stated that he wanted to face Wilder in the ring, then filed a request with the WBC for a voluntary title defense, which the organization approved.

Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) last fought in February against Otto Wallin, winning by unanimous decision. His next fight will be the 50th of his career and will likely be his farewell bout.