Inside Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora negotiations including dramatic last-minute broadcaster change

There are always twists and turns when it comes to negotiating a major fight, and Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora was no different.

The heavyweight titans are set to lock horns on April 4 at London’s O2 Arena on a Misfits Pro Boxing card, promoted by Kalle Sauerland.

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Misfits has led the market in influencer boxing since its inception in 2022.

However, the promotional outfit is now looking to make a splash in the traditional boxing sphere, with Wilder vs Chisora acting as a launch pad.

Explaining how the opportunity to stage the event came about, Sauerland told talkSPORT’s White and Jordan on Tuesday lunchtime: “I was sitting there at the beginning of January, and one of our partners came to us and said, ‘Look, are you interested in this fight?’

“I looked at it and said, ‘Yeah, it is a banging fight’. The more I thought about it, the more it grew on me, then the talks with the fighters advanced, and we made sure they were free of contracts, etc.

“We then signed it, and put it to market [with the broadcasters].”

Late broadcaster change

Sauerland insists that Sky Sports were the initial frontrunners to broadcast the show, until DAZN swooped in with a more appealing offer.

“In the last minute, there was a strong charge from Ed McCarthy at DAZN and the management team at DAZN,” Sauerland added.

“They really muscled their way into and they did a great job of winning the process.

“But the fact that boxing is in a place where we, like the Premier League rights, you have massive broadcasters competing for it is great.

“Ultimately, yes, of course, it is a financial decision, but it’s also how you get the fight out to the fans, and a heavyweight fight is always global, and DAZN has absolutely established itself as the global home of boxing.”

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Queensberry’s involvement

For Sauerland, promoting Wilder vs Chisora is a full-circle moment.

The Anglo-German businessman worked with Chisora for six years and played a pivotal part in several of his biggest nights in the paid ranks, including his inaugural encounter with Dillian Whyte.

When Sauerland’s name came up as the promoter for Chisora’s next outing, it led to questions about ‘Del Boy’s’ contract with Queensberry Promotions.

Chisora re-signed with Frank Warren‘s company in 2023.

And while the two-time world heavyweight title challenger told talkSPORT last month that the deal had ‘expired’, it would appear that isn’t the case as Queensberry are co-promoting the show.

When pressed on the topic, Sauerland remained coy.

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“That is a matter between them (Chisora and Queensberry), but they are co-promoters with us on the show,” he continued.

“I will leave that to Derek and Frank [Warren]; they will probably address that tomorrow at the press conference.”

Undercard details

Wilder vs Chisora was officially announced last week, although the undercard has yet to be locked in.

Sauerland confirmed that the headliners will sit atop a card made up of between 9 and 10 fights, with British cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley featuring high on the bill.