Chisora arrives to Wilder event in tank with Farage

Image caption,

Reform Party leader Nigel Farage posed for photos on an army tank - which was advertising Saturday's fight - alongside Derek Chisora

Derek Chisora arrived at a news conference at London's York Hall in an army tank alongside Nigel Farage, but the politician didn't attend the media event.

The 42-year-old British heavyweight faces American Deontay Wilder at London's O2 Arena this Saturday, as both veterans contest their 50th professional fights.

Despite the elaborate entrance, Farage - the Reform Party leader - did not go to the news conference, and he was not mentioned during the event, which focused on Wilder and Chisora.

"I am starting so fast that this fight will not see 12 rounds," predicted Chisora, who insists this will be his final pro bout.

"I just need war and pain - that's what I'm bringing. I just pray nobody comes with excuses out of the two of us."

The face-off concluded with a warm exchange that underscored the "brotherhood" between the two veterans. Wilder, 40, urged Chisora to bring "everything".

"I need you to bring all the appliances that are not bolted down," he said.

"I need you to bring the refrigerator if you can bring it up. I need it for myself. I am ready for it. I am healed, this is a healed Wilder."

Chisora welcomed the challenge with typical stoicism, leading Wilder to extend a personal invitation for a post-retirement trip to Alabama.

"I'm definitely coming," Chisora replied.

No-shows, tardiness and expletive language

Image caption,

Farage and Chisora are known to be friends

'War' Chisora was in a typical mischievous mood; he repeatedly swore as he predicted a "one-round" knockout.

Host Adam Smith was forced to frequently interrupt and apologise to viewers for the bad language, but Chisora did not relent, at one point encourgaing chants from the crowd.

Despite 13 losses against elite opposition - including Vitali Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, and three bouts with Tyson Fury - Chisora has built a loyal fanbase through his quirky personality and relentless, come-forward style.

"Boxing is so easy: it's put your hands up and hit the other guy. That's it," he said.

A loss for Wilder would also likely spell the end of his career.

Arriving 45 minutes late and apologising for his "tardiness", the American made a bizarre plug for a brand of mouthguard before repeating previous comments about needing to "heal" from personal issues and past losses.

Once regarded as boxing's most devastating puncher, the former WBC heavyweight champion has stopped 43 opponents in 44 wins, often in spectacular fashion.

"What happens when a warrior comes against a freak of nature? Derek comes to fight, but I'm coming with detonation," Wilder said.

However, the "Bronze Bomber" has lost four of his past six fights. Since his punishing trilogy with Tyson Fury - a rivalry that saw him knocked down five times and stopped twice - Wilder has struggled to rediscover his destructive form.

"I know when I hang up the gloves, people will miss me," he said. "When I say I'm gone, I'm gone. So enjoy me while I'm here."

Analysis – beyond the stunts, is this one final payday?

Media caption,

This is our 100th fight, it will be one of the best - Wilder

The iconic York Hall - a small, atmospheric East London venue famed for its close-quarters crowds - provided a fitting backdrop for Chisora, who fought there seven times during his first 11 bouts.

Seasoned boxing media noted that the security presence felt unusually high for the venue. Once whispers began that Farage was outside, the over-the-top pat-downs and confiscated chewing gum suddenly made sense.

Chisora's tank entrance with Farage is simply the latest chapter in a career defined by headline-grabbing antics - from kissing Carl Baker and slapping Vitali Klitschko to brawling with David Haye and throwing a table at Dillian Whyte.

Beyond the political friendships and stunts, there is concern surrounding this fight. While Chisora has exceeded all expectations during his 19-year career, the punishment he has absorbed across 346 rounds is difficult to ignore. While he insists this is his final outing, there is always the lingering worry that a convincing win might tempt him into "one more."

There is equal intrigue with Wilder. This is not a standard comeback; his decline has been rapid, and he too has taken significant damage in the latter half of his career.

It remains a fascinating match-up between two veterans with no clear favourite. Beyond the drama, the hope in boxing circles is that both men can secure one final payday, emerge unscathed, and move on to enjoy the rewards of their careers.