British heavyweight Derek Chisora arrived at a press conference in London on Thursday in a tank alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage ahead of his fight against Deontay Wilder at the O2 Arena this weekend.
Chisora, who has said the bout will be his 50th and final professional fight, was joined by Farage as the pair rode into the venue in a black tank featuring yellow branding for the event. The date of the fight was displayed on the tank’s gun.
Farage had previously joked he would arrive at Chisora’s final fight in a tank. While the comment had been made in jest, Chisora’s repeated insistence that the Wilder bout will mark the end of his career meant the possibility had been raised in the build-up.
The appearance is the latest public display of the relationship between Chisora and Farage, who have developed a friendship in recent years.
Chisora has supported Farage’s political activities, including backing Brexit and associating with Reform UK.
He has also defended Farage against accusations of racism, describing his views as ‘misunderstood’.
The boxer has appeared alongside Farage at political events, including during the 2024 general election campaign, while Farage has attended several of Chisora’s fights and publicly praised him.
The pair have also appeared together outside politics, including at farming protests, and have spoken about shared views on prioritising British interests.
Jeff Powell MBE’s verdict on the bizarre spectacle
Derek Chisora rolled up to a public promo for Saturday night’s fight with Deontay Wilder atop a fully armoured tank.
Exactly how dangerously depleted that loan of equipment would have rendered our threadbare military if Russia had launched a ground invasion was not clear.
What did feel uncomfortable was the putting on of a show this inappropriate at a time when the United Kingdom is involved, albeit it half-heartedly, in a war, with so many lives being lost.
And what was Nigel Farage thinking being up there?
Maybe if he were Prime Minister this country would have given President Trump more full-blooded support in attacking Iran.
Boxing itself does exist largely in a bubble all its own. And Chisora’s latest nickname is ‘War,’ after all, while Wilder labels himself the Bronze Bomber.
As for the public, not many appear to be too fussed one way or the other.
Barely 30 fans turned up at the historic York Hall in Bethnal Green for the prelude to Saturday night’s fight at the O2 Arena in south east London.
The mood of the event was more courteous than conflict.
The fighters are friends and while both will strive to win, this is what they had to say;
Wilder: ‘We’re going to have a good time in the ring until I break Derek’s heart. He has to be perfect for 12 rounds. Me… two seconds.’
Chisora: ‘Deontay has that explosive punching power. But my game plan is f*** let’s go.’
Both ended up predicting: ‘One round.’
Then they smiled at the face-in, exchanged banter and touched hands.
Oh what a lovely war.
