Wilder Admits He Held Back Against Chisora – Then Calls Out AJ

LONDON – Deontay Wilder has revealed he deliberately showed mercy to Derek Chisora during their heavyweight war at the O2 Arena, admitting he pulled his punches in the later rounds once he saw the damage mounting on the British veteran’s face. Speaking after his split-decision victory in Chisora’s 50th and final fight, Wilder said the safety of his opponent became a genuine concern. “I started seeing his eyes and temples swell. I told him, ‘Bro, you’ve got to live for your kids. I don’t want to hurt you,’” the former WBC champion explained. “Too many lives have been lost in this ring. It’s time for us to take care of each other.” The admission adds a different layer to a fight that many saw as a brutal, no-holds-barred slugfest. Wilder, known as one of the heaviest punchers in boxing history, insists he could have pressed harder but chose not to. But the 40-year-old’s compassionate side quickly disappeared when the topic turned to Anthony Joshua. “Let’s do it,” Wilder said directly to the former two-time unified champion. Joshua’s reported response? “You’re not ready for that.” Wilder was having none of it. “He’s scared as f**k. Let’s do it,” he fired back, making clear that a long-discussed showdown between the two heavyweight giants remains firmly on his radar. Whether Joshua accepts the challenge or not, Wilder has made his intentions clear. One man was shown mercy on Saturday night. The next one may not be so lucky. Photo credit: The New York Times

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