Esteemed trainer, commentator and analyst Teddy Atlas is one of the most respected tacticians in the world of boxing. When looking towards Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder’s meeting next month, Atlas forecasts an upset for one key reason.
Wilder was once a devastating puncher who came from behind and scored one-punch knockouts so regularly that it became his entire fight plan – landing that big shot.
In recent times, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has been unable to find that equaliser when it mattered. Against Chisora, he simply must produce, as a defeat to ‘Del Boy’ would be his fifth in seven fights and likely spell the end at a high level.
On the flip side, should Wilder rediscover his right-hand and dispatch of the 43-year-old Brit, the Alabama-born operator could secure a shot at the unified heavyweight world champion, Oleksandr Usyk, to revive his career.
In a contest rife with jeopardy for the American, his well-respected countryman Teddy Atlas told BetVictor that he believes Wilder will get the job done and pull off the upset, due to the fact that betting favorite Chisora leaves himself open to straight shots.
“I’m not sure who has more left, but theoretically, it should be Wilder. He should have a little more left. And if he does, the one thing he has is a right hand.
“Chisora throws round punches. That’s not going to change. When he throws round punches, there’s an opportunity to throw a straight punch.
“At the end of the day, I think that will play out. And because of that, I would probably favour Wilder.”
Chisora-WIlder takes place on Saturday, April 4, at the O2 Arena in London, as both men reach their landmark 50th professional bout and Chisora attempts to bow out in style in his farewell fight.
