Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora are finalizing a deal that will see the heavyweight contenders clash later this year.

That's according to Wilder's manager, Shelly Finkel, who told Sky Sports: "We are in negotiations and it's close."

News of negotiations were first reported by Brunch Boxing, with an April date in London being targeted.

A fight between Wilder and Chisora comes as somewhat of a surprise. For months, Wilder informed the boxing world that he was deep in negotiations with Oleksandr Usyk, The Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBC heavyweight king. Usyk has also repeatedly stated his desire to face Wilder.

However, Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) now looks to be heading in another direction. The 40-year-old hasn’t looked like his explosive self in years. While he did pick up a victory over Tyrrell Herndon on June 27, 2025, that seventh-round KO may not be enough to sway fans that he’s back to his old ways.

Prior to that victory, the Alabama native lost four of his previous five with three of those defeats coming via stoppage.

Chisora, while older than Wilder, has looked revitalized over the last few years. The former heavyweight title challenger has won three bouts in a row. Following his latest win over Otto Wallin on February 8, 2025, Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) revealed that he would like to finish his career after his 50th fight.

The rough and rugged veteran will now seemingly pull down the curtain on his career, which could end against former champ Wilder.