Interest has peaked on a potential warm-up fight against Derek Chisora — a matchup that, if mishandled, could compromise the highly anticipated clash with Usyk.
And much like the Day of Reckoning in 2023, when a planned Wilder vs Joshua fight was derailed after ‘The Bronze Bomber’ lost to Joseph Parker, Chisora represents danger.
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Wilder Eyes Chisora Bout
Speaking to talkSPORT, Wilder made clear he is open to the Chisora fight.
“Derek Chisora, you want it, you can get it,” Wilder said. “That’s for sure. That might be my warm-up fight. I’ll see what people think about that.
“We were supposed to fight years ago, and I got in some legal trouble, which meant I couldn’t travel. It was supposed to happen, and it didn’t happen, and this opportunity means it can happen.”
Chisora responded to Wilder’s comments, signaling willingness to step in:
“That is the fight number 50 right there. I showed it to you. I wasn’t meant to show it to you, but I figured I’m right here, so let’s do it.
“George Warren made this fight for December 13, and then Deontay got a phone call from the big boss, and he had to pull out.
“But I believe that deal has dropped, so it’s come back on. It will happen; whoever wants to put it on can. I believe Frank Warren will put it on.”
Warm-Up Fights Pose Risk
WBN’s previous ‘Groundhog Day’ coverage of Fury vs Joshua highlighted how warm-up bouts can create logistical and promotional complications.
With both Fury and Joshua now linked to preparatory fights, there is a precedent showing that even minor disruptions or losses in warm-up matches can imperil major showdowns.
The Day of Reckoning in 2023 serves as a cautionary tale: Wilder’s scheduled fight against Joshua fell apart after he suffered an unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker, illustrating how a single warm-up loss can obliterate months of promotional planning and fan anticipation.
Despite the implosion, nothing seems to be deterring organizers.
Promotional and Timing Challenges
As with Fury vs Joshua, promoters must balance fighter readiness, fan expectations, and broadcast commitments.
Wilder’s potential bout with Chisora is more than a training exercise — a misstep could alter timelines and contractual obligations, forcing the highly anticipated Wilder vs Usyk fight to be postponed or even canceled.
WBN has reached out to Wilder’s team to confirm whether discussions are ongoing behind the scenes, reinforcing the significance of every decision in this preparatory phase.
Next Steps
While Wilder and Chisora appear ready to move forward, WBN will continue to monitor developments closely.
Fans and industry insiders are watching carefully to see whether this warm-up strategy strengthens Wilder’s campaign for Usyk or inadvertently creates another high-profile setback reminiscent of the Fury vs Joshua complications and Wilder’s Day of Reckoning.
