Bear hug! A tense standoff between Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora erupted at the Pulev-Gassiev weigh-ins in Dubai, captured on video as the two veterans separated after a head-bonking staredown.
Jesse Holland, a veteran combat sports journalist who has covered MMA, pro wrestling, and boxing since 2004, notes Wilder and Chisora’s near-confrontation underscoring ongoing talk of a future showdown.
Despite talks to make the fight before year’s end, negotiations stalled and no bout has been booked. Chisora, now 36-13 with 23 knockouts, hopes Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) signs on for a match in 2026. He told Sun Sport that the December date once envisioned as his 50th pro fight was likely derailed when Wilder reportedly took another opportunity, but he remains confident the match can still happen and would sell out immediately.
Chisora emphasized that the potential clash isn’t personal—it's a meaningful, entertaining fight with real appeal for fans. The 41-year-old Brit just logged three straight victories, most recently defeating Otto Wallin in Manchester earlier this year. Wilder, now 40, recently returned to victory by overpowering Tyrrell Anthony Herndon last July in Wichita.
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