Image source, Reuters. ByKal Sajad. BBC Sport boxing journalist at York Hall, London. 2 April 2026. Derek Chisora arrived at a news conference at London’s York Hall in an army tank alongside Nigel Farage, but the politician didn’t attend the media event.. The 42-year-old British heavyweight faces American Deontay Wilder at London’s O2 Arena this Saturday, as both veterans contest their 50th professional fights.. Despite the elaborate entrance, Farage – the Reform Party leader – did not go to the news conference, and he was not mentioned during the event, which focused on Wilder and Chisora.. “I am starting so fast that this fight will not see 12 rounds,” predicted Chisora, who insists this will be his final pro bout.. “I just need war and pain – that’s what I’m bringing. I just pray nobody comes with excuses out of the two of us.”. The face-off concluded with a warm exchange that underscored the “brotherhood” between the two veterans. Wilder, 40, urged Chisora to bring “everything”.. “I need you to bring all the appliances that are not bolted down,” he said.. “I need you to bring the refrigerator if you can bring it up. I need it for myself. I am ready for it. I am healed, this is a healed Wilder.”. Chisora welcomed the challenge with typical stoicism, leading Wilder to extend a personal invitation for a post-retirement trip to Alabama.. “I’m definitely coming,” Chisora replied.. Derek Chisora v Deontay Wilder. Saturday, 4 April. Listen on Sounds. Radio commentary begins from 22:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Live. Live text commentary begins at 20:00 on BBC Sport website and app.. No-shows, tardiness and expletive language. Image source, PA Media. ‘War’ Chisora was in a typical mischievous mood; he repeatedly swore as he predicted a “one-round” knockout.. Host Adam Smith was forced to frequently interrupt and apologise to viewers for the bad language, but Chisora did not relent, at one point encourgaing chants from the crowd.. Despite 13 losses against elite opposition – including Vitali Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, and three bouts with Tyson Fury – Chisora has built a loyal fanbase through his quirky personality and relentless, come-forward style.. “Boxing is so easy: it’s put your hands up and hit the other guy. That’s it,” he said.. A loss for Wilder would also likely spell the end of his career.. Arriving 45 minutes late and apologising for his “tardiness”, the American made a bizarre plug for a brand of mouthguard before repeating previous comments about needing to “heal” from personal issues and past losses.. Once regarded as boxing’s most devastating puncher, the former WBC heavyweight champion has stopped 43 opponents in 44 wins, often in spectacular fashion.. “What happens when a warrior comes against a freak of nature? Derek comes to fight, but I’m coming with detonation,” Wilder said.. However, the “Bronze Bomber” has lost four of his past six fights. Since his punishing trilogy with Tyson Fury – a rivalry that saw him knocked down five times an
