Deontay Wilder recently sent out a message tp Derek Chisora ahead of their April 4th clash at the O2 Arena in London — and it isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a man who calls his opponent a friend.
Speaking with Louis Hart of Ring Magazine during fight week in London, Wilder revealed exactly what he told Chisora when the two had their last real conversation before the fight.
When I say that we can be friends on the outside, but when that fight comes, we going to turn that off. I’ve already told him — I want you to try to kill me. You understand me? And he looked at me kind of weird… like, that’s what I need.
The Last Conversation
Wilder described a deliberate pre-fight ritual of cutting off communication entirely — something he’s done before, even with people close to him personally.
I also had a brother that I fought and I told him the same thing. This is going to be the last time we talk. The next time we see each other, we going to be in each other’s face. We going to be at war — because I need that point of time to turn it off.
The contrast between genuine friendship and fight-night ferocity is something Wilder says he’s made peace with. He’s cordial, even warm, with Chisora outside the ropes — but none of that carries into the ring.
I can be cordial, I can be friendly with anyone — but that don’t mean that I can’t switch to want to whoop your ass. That’s just what it is. We’re fighters. I’m a fighter. And I’m proven to be that way. This is not just talk.
Fight 50 at the O2
The April 4 bout marks Wilder’s 50th professional fight — a milestone the former WBC heavyweight champion is approaching with a full head of competitive steam. Wilder says the setting only adds to the sense of occasion.
April the 4th at the O2 Arena — it’s going to be electrifying, it’s going to be crazy. It feels like my debut all over again. And I can’t wait.
Wilder has been away from the UK since his Sheffield debut years ago, and the return carries emotional weight. But make no mistake — whatever warmth he has for the country, and whatever friendship exists between him and Chisora, will be switched off long before the opening bell.
