London Duel, Deontay Wilder Wins by a Narrow Margin over Derek Chisora

JAKARTA - Former World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight (over 90.7 kg) world champion Deontay Wilder silenced Derek Chisora in a fight in London, England, Sunday WIB.

Wilder won a close split decision after two judges scored 115-111 and 115-113 for him, while one judge scored 115-112 for Chisora.

The two boxers, who both had their 50th professional fights, were involved in a fierce duel, in which both fell to the canvas.

Chisora, who appeared in front of the home crowd, immediately pressured from the first round with his signature style, namely continuing to advance and launching punches to the opponent's body.

Wilder kept more distance with jabs while looking for a moment to launch a right punch. Many were pinched and pushed, even the two of them almost fell out of the ring.

In the fifth to eighth rounds, Wilder began to find the rhythm and landed some hard right punches. Chisora was shaken and almost KO, but still managed to survive.

In one of the chaotic moments of the fight, Wilder knocked down and then pushed Chisora towards the ring ropes while trying to finish the KO.

In the last three rounds, the fight became more brutal because both boxers were very exhausted. Chisora continued to advance relentlessly and even knocked Wilder down in the 11th round. Wilder immediately got up and the two exchanged hard blows until the final bell rang.

"I feel good. He came like a lion to fight, but I don't mess around when I'm here," said Deontay Wilder after the victory.

The American boxer told the London crowd that they had witnessed what true strength and destiny meant. "It was an amazing fight, and I give all the glory and thanks to God," he said.

With the victory, Wilder strengthened his record to 45 wins (43 KO), four losses, and one draw.

Meanwhile, Chisora had to admit defeat to Wilder which made his record 36 wins (23 KO) and 14 losses.

"This is my last fight. I know I lost this fight," Chisora said.