Wilder Shifts Focus to Chisora as Usyk Mega-Fight Hits Roadblock

January 21, 2026

U-Turn in London: Wilder Shifts Focus to Chisora as Usyk Mega-Fight Hits Roadblock

LONDON — The heavyweight landscape has just been hit by a "Bronze Bomber" sized curveball. Despite months of high-level negotiations for a legacy-defining clash with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, sources close to the Deontay Wilder camp have confirmed that the American knockout artist is pivoting to a high-stakes showdown with British veteran Derek "War" Chisora in London this April.

The news, first reported by Brunch Boxing and bolstered by comments from Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel, suggests that the proposed Usyk fight which was being targeted for a world-record outdoor event in San Francisco this July, is not quite ready for the finish line.

The "War" in London

For Derek Chisora, 42, the matchup represents the "Golden Ticket" for his milestone 50th professional fight. The Londoner, who is coming off a massive decision victory over Otto Wallin in 2025, has long campaigned for a swan song against a global superstar.

"We are in negotiations and it's close," Finkel told Sky Sports on Wednesday morning. "Deontay is a tremendous force and he wants to stay active. London has always been a second home for him in terms of fan support, and Derek Chisora provides the kind of 'all-action' fight that the fans deserve."

A press conference is reportedly "scheduled" to take place in London next week to make the April date official.

The Usyk "Roadblock"

The pivot has left boxing fans asking one question: What happened to Usyk? Just days ago, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman reiterated that Wilder was "welcome and eligible" to challenge for Usyk’s world titles. However, the logistics of a 11th July card in San Francisco, intended to break the Guinness World Record for attendance, appear to be moving slower than Wilder’s desire to return to the ring.

Industry insiders suggest the Chisora fight serves as a "stay busy" bridge. If Wilder successfully navigates the challenge of "War" Chisora in London, the path remains open for the Usyk mega-fight to headline the San Francisco card in late summer.

A Clash of Eras

While some critics argue that Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) should be focused solely on titles, a London date with Chisora is a guaranteed commercial juggernaut.

Wilder's Momentum: After a rocky 1-4 stretch, Wilder got back on track in late 2025 with a seventh-round knockout of Tyrell Herndon.
Chisora’s Last Stand: Chisora (36-13) has billed this as his absolute final professional bout, hoping to go out on his shield against one of the most feared punchers in history.

"I think it's a very, very good fight," former rival Tyson Fury commented on social media today. "Two legends I've fought three times each. I'm going with my boy, 'Del Boy' Chisora, for the stoppage. There should be a belt on the line for this one."

The Heavyweight Shuffle

With Wilder effectively "out of the picture" for the immediate next window for Usyk, rumours are already swirling that the Ukrainian champion may look toward a voluntary defense against Fabio Wardley or Agit Kabayel to keep his own 2026 schedule on track.

As the London fog settles on this new matchup, one thing is certain: the road to undisputed status just took a detour through North London.