Deontay Wilder is reportedly close to securing his first fight of 2026.
There were signs that Wilder’s career was winding down after consecutive defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.
He managed a comeback in June 2025, stopping Tyrrell Herndon in the seventh round.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ has since been linked to a potential fight with Oleksandr Usyk, the holder of three of the four major heavyweight titles.
Deontay Wilder set for UK debut in April
Wilder is set for his first appearance in the UK, with reports indicating he will be heading to London this April.
Journalist Dan Rafael has reported that the American heavyweight will take on British veteran Derek Chisora, who boasts a 36-13 record.
Chisora, now 42, is coming off a three-fight win streak and is expected to retire after this bout.
He has previously faced Tyson Fury and Vitali Klitschko in world title fights, and holds notable wins over Carlos Takam, Kubrat Pulev, Joe Joyce, and Otto Wallin.
It remains to be seen how this fight will affect Wilder’s rumoured plans for a bout against Oleksandr Usyk later in the year.
Oleksandr Usyk weighing up Zuffa Boxing move
Dana White’s new venture into boxing is already picking up steam, with the recent signing of undefeated world champion Jai Opetaia.
Now, it seems he may not be the only high-profile addition to Zuffa Boxing’s roster, as Usyk is reportedly in discussions to join the promotion.
Usyk’s Sports Director, Sergey Lapin, confirmed that talks are ongoing between the Ukrainian legend and Zuffa Boxing.
The Ukrainian fighter, who was with promoter Alex Krassyuk until his fight with Daniel Dubois last August, has not fought since and his promotional future is uncertain.
“There is contact, there is dialogue, and interest exists [from Dana White and Zuffa Boxing],” Lapin began by saying.
“Details aren’t for the public right now. Let’s say a few doors are open, and if format, numbers, and timing align, the market could see a move nobody expects.
“Everyone has seen what he [White] did. He turned old MMA into the global UFC machine. His real power is packaging not just a fight, but an event. If he gets involved, the scale and attention immediately become different.”
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