Deontay Wilder says April 4 will settle the debate. If he is washed, he believes everyone will see it against Dereck Chisora. If he is not, he intends to make that just as clear.
Both Wilder and Chisora know their respective careers are on the line.
For Wilder, a final shot at the heavyweight title is at stake after Oleksandr Usyk offered him the opportunity.
The two heavyweights meet at The O2 Arena in London on DAZN PPV.
For Chisora, extending his career into a 51st fight after claiming his 50th would be his last is the prize.
This Fight Will Decide The Narrative
Speaking on The Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer, Wilder did not dodge the question that has trailed him in recent years after several losses.
“See, if I’m supposed to retire, then we’re gonna see in this fight. We’re gonna see. Ain’t nobody gotta ask no question if I’m washed up or if I still got it or whatever.
“This fight is gonna tell it all cause I’m giving it all I got. All. I ain’t lying to you. Cause I want him to give all he got.”
Wilder framed the bout as more than a comeback. To him, it is a direct test of where he stands physically and mentally at this stage of his career.
There is no mention of easing back in. No suggestion of rebuilding quietly. He wants the kind of performance that leaves no gray area.
Heavyweight Instinct
Wilder also pointed to something less tangible than power or tactics. He believes fighters recognize each other long before the opening bell.
“When he is in the presence of me and when he can feel my energy, a fighter knows another fighter. When you’ve been in this business, you know.
“It’s just like when I knew in Dubai (for the Gassiev vs Pulev fight), he was trying to size me up and trying to feel my strength or where I am.”
The American said time spent around Chisora in different settings has stripped away any mystery between them.
“I knew all this s***, you know, even when we was in England, or in Dubai, or when we was in Saudi, you know what I mean, we spent a lot of time together, me and Derek.
“You feel me? You know what I’m saying? So I know him, he know me.”
Then he delivered the line that sums up his mindset.
“But at the end of the day, he know that Deontay don’t f***ing play. This dude don’t play. He the nicest man in the world, but this dude don’t play. And I like it.”
No Room For Doubt
Wilder has made it clear that simply edging a decision will not satisfy him.
“This is a must-win for me. Not only a win, but I need a devastating win. I need a knockout. That’s what people come to see,” he said.
The fight is not about headlines before the bell. It is about what happens once it rings and Wilder becomes ‘The Bronze Bomber’ again.
On April 4 in London, with DAZN PPV carrying the broadcast, Wilder believes the result will provide his answer.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
