Should the final loose ends be tied, Kalle and Nisse Sauerland will stage the enticing heavyweight showdown between veterans Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder, with April 4 being targeted as the date and a London arena as the venue.
At the time of this writing the deal was not finalised but a source close to negotiations told BoxingScene that all parties are hopeful that a conclusion will soon be reached. The week commencing February 2 has been pencilled in as when it will be formally announced.
The bout has been in play for several months. It was originally planned for last December with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions – Chisora’s promoter – at the helm but BoxingScene understands that Wilder chose a different route that ultimately came to nothing.
That left 42-year-old Chisora growing impatient for the 50th and final bout of his storied career to be arranged. That contest was also reported to be the last of his latest contract with Queensberry. Chisora is believed to have grown frustrated with the promotional outfit who can also boast Tyson Fury, Fabio Wardley, Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, Zhilei Zhang, Filip Hrgovic, David Adeleye and Lawrence Okolie on their heavyweight roster. It is not yet known if Queensberry will be willing to let Chisora run free from his contract.
Chisora, 36-13 (23 KOs), has moved from the guidance of Warren to the Sauerlands in the past. In 2015, Chisora joined forces with the Sauerlands during a curious portion of his career that saw him compete on the continent before returning to the UK the following year.
Should Wilder-Chisora go ahead as planned, the Sauerlands, who currently operate under the Wasserman Boxing banner, will broadcast with at least one “major” network though it’s understood that deals are being considered with both a UK and an international broadcaster for what is sure to be a pay-per-view event. BoxingScene has learned that terrestrial station Channel 5, who the Sauerlands have recently used for their UK output, is not under consideration. It is also believed that DAZN, Queensberry’s broadcaster, will not be involved.
Wilder, 44-4-1 (43 KOs), was thought to be on course for a shot at division leader Oleksandr Usyk. Now 40, Wilder has lost four of his last six bouts. Chisora, meanwhile, is unbeaten in his last three.
An undercard is also being built and could feature the likes of Harlem Eubank, Michael Conlan and Charlie Edwards.
