Why Deontay Wilder is at a major disadvantage ahead of Derek Chisora fight

When the pair kicked off the build-up to this weekend's showdown in February, and Wilder stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons, most notably in his appearance on a boxing show for talkSPORT.

Lashing out at presenter Simon Jordan when questioned about cheating claims regarding Tyson Fury , Wilder is mentally broken, and this incident is the latest chapter in a downward spiral for ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

Fury has beaten the killer instinct out of Wilder

Before Fury and Wilder first fought in 2018, the latter was one of boxing’s most feared names.

His knockout punches were felt around the world, with his opponents being laid out on the canvas becoming a common sight, which lead to concerns of Fury being out of his depth after a return to the sport following an absence plagued by mental health issues and drug abuse.

Instead, Wilder was rattled that December night in Los Angeles. Fury rose from two knockdowns and forced a draw, a result which was disputed with Fury arguably boxing better than this rival.

A rematch followed two years later in which Fury inflicted a brutal beating on Wilder, suffering two knockdowns of his own before being stopped in the seventh.

 

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"I'm loved and hated, never to be forgotten"

Watch: Deontay Wilder on why he splits opinion of the American and boxing public (1.23)

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Instead of being gracious in defeat, Wilder blamed his ring walk costume being too heavy ridding him of vital energy before claiming Fury had loaded his gloves with foreign objects.

The third Fury-Wilder fight in 2021, a modern heavyweight classic which Fury won, was not riddled with cheating claims in the aftermath, and for a moment, it looked like Wilder may have moved on.

But that was not the only change evident in the American.

Wilder’s fights against the likes of Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang following the trilogy loss to Fury saw a change.

Gone was the ‘Bomb Squad’ screaming, loud-mouthed knockout artist, replaced by a more a respectful, subdued Wilder.

This was a shock change in personality from one of boxing’s most electric characters, and it looked like Fury had beaten the killer instinct out of ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

Wilder resurrects Fury cheating claims in Chisora build-up

One thing Wilder and Chisora have in common is that they have both faced and lost to Fury on multiple occasions.

Therefore, it was no surprise that Fury’s name would come up as the pair kicked off their media duties, but it was Wilder who struggled to contain his emotions.

When questioned by Jordan of talkSPORT about whether he still stands by his Fury cheating claims, Wilder replied, with the aggression growing with each word.

“I know the truth, I have the facts,” Wilder shouted.

“I got the proof, I have got the people to tell it. Understand that. What I say in boxing is the truth; I risk my life for your entertainment.

“Why is it so much harder to believe a black than a white man.”

The tension continued to escalate, and Wilder decided to move towards Jordan before being taken away by security.

Considering Wilder’s career could end with a loss to Chisora, you would think he would be focused on the task at hand and not dwell on the past.

However, the mere mention of Fury causing Wilder to explode is a clear sign that his mental state is fragile, and if he is acting like this two months before the Chisora fight, what could happen in fight week where the pressure ramps up.

Why mentally broken Wilder is an advantage to Chisora

In the closing chapters of an entertaining career, Chisora has been a calm customer and proven that despite the battle scars from 49 professional bouts, he can still last 12 rounds, even if a contest turns into a war.

Seeing Wilder crack like he did at talkSPORT will play into Chisora’s hands.

If Wilder carries this emotion into the ring, there is a chance he could play all his cards early, spend all his energy, and allow Chisora to seize control.

There is always the threat of Wilder’s knockout power, but the fear factor is no longer there.

Chisora will not be fazed by Wilder in the opposite corner at London’s O2 Arena, and if he is showing signs of mental fragility, ‘War’ Chisora will have already won one of, if not the biggest battle before the opening bell has rung at the start of April.

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. 

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here .