LONDON — Derek Chisora insists he knew his popularity would surge once people got to know him ahead of his 50th and final fight against Deontay Wilder on Saturday.
Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) has made headlines since the early days of his career and while he hasn’t always been the fan favourite, he believes his character, personality and longevity has won the hearts of the boxing public.
“Human beings are difficult to please. If they don’t know somebody, they hate that person,” Chisora told reporters this week.
“It happens a lot with me. People don’t know me, but they hate me. But when they got to know me, they’re like: ‘Wow, you’re actually a cool guy. So I knew when they would come around.
“It’s special, the whole week. Remember when I started, people booed me, people didn’t love me and then afterwards they go to know me and love me.”
Chisora’s theatrics have been in full flow this week, playing musical chairs with fans to give away tickets and arriving at Thursday’s news conference on a tank before he warned Wilder he was going to start the fight so fast it wouldn’t last the full 12 rounds.
Time will tell if this is Chisora’s last fight, with speculation a win against Wilder could put him in contention for a world title shot.
However, the 42-year-old insists it will be his swansong and is looking forward to being a full time dad. He is in the midst of planning a “massive” Easter egg hunt on Sunday for his two daughters.
Will there be tears as he makes his last ringwalk, cheers on by thousands at The O2 , just as there was in his last fight in February 2025?
“Yeah, it will happen again. 100%.”
