Boxing
Deontay is ready to get Wild in the lion's den against fan favourite Chisora
BUY HERE: Chisora vs. Wilder DAZN PPV - Saturday
Deontay Wilder couldn’t care less if he’s the underdog when he enters the lion’s den against Derek Chisora at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night.
The big-punching American has lost four of his last six fights, including back-to-back defeats to Tyson Fury.
But after stopping Tyrrell Herndon inside seven rounds last June, Wilder firmly believes he can send Chisora into retirement on the back of a loss.
"I need him more than he needs me"
Watch: Why Wilder hopes Chisora 'pressure' will revive his career (1.14)
Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, the former WBC world heavyweight champ, 40, said: “I don't care about the underdog, overdog, all-around dog.
“I mean, a hot dog is a hot dog to me, you know what I mean? I don't really get into all that.
“That's something for the fans to have and for them to play around with. I'm just going to do what I know how to do.
“I’m happy to be in The O2 in London, behind enemy lines. It's going to be a pleasure to be able to fight in England again. I haven't been here since 2013, so it's like a rebirth of a debut coming back.
“I'm very excited about us both having our 50th fight. Ultimately, that brings me to tears because we'd have put our life on the line 50 times come Saturday.
“You can expect a lot of drama, a lot of punches thrown. You can expect a lot of foot work, movement, being hostile, mobile and agile.
“I know my opponent's gonna come at me. He's going to want to show his best while being at home.
“That's what I love. I love being in another lion's den. I'm the visitor and that will get my heart pumping and ready to go. You don't want to miss it.
“If you look at my body and look at my arms, you will see all the sacrifices that I've made in this business to take care of my family. I was selfless, now I'm selfish.”
Before agreeing to lock horns with Chisora, Wilder had been linked with a fight with heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk, who currently holds the WBC, WBA Super and IBF titles, eventually opted to face Rico Verhoeven in a money-spinning clash at the Pyramids of Giza in May.
Fabio Wardley also defends his WBO crown against Daniel Dubois next month — and Wilder has not given up hope of getting his hands on all four belts.
He added: “I had a goal when coming into this business to unify the division. I never had the opportunity to do so.
“When I get past Derek, who knows? Usyk called me out. Why would you not fight me?
“If you want to finish as the best that’s been in his era, that's the best route to go.
“At this moment in time, I'm very selfish. Not only am I back but I'm better and I'm looking for redemption. I'm looking to gain all the titles.
“Right now, though, my focus is on Derek. I'm not doing any window shopping at this moment in time.”
Watch Chisora vs. Wilder only on DAZN
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder square off this Saturday, April 4, exclusively on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or get this, Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9) and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) PPVs all included with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription for £22.99/$44.99 per month.
