Parker vs Chisora 2 LIVE: Fight result, reaction and latest updates
The New Zealander prevailed on the cards (115-110, 115-111 and 114-112) in Manchester to leave no room for doubt in the heavyweight rematch
Joseph Parker gained a more comprehensive victory over Derek Chisora to close the chapter on their rivalry after an action-packed heavyweight rematch in Manchester.
Parker had prevailed via a disputed split points verdict in May but the former WBO champion left little room for doubt this time around, with Chisora taking a count in the fourth round with only the ropes keeping him upright.
Chisora was then put down by vicious uppercuts from his New Zealand foe in each of the seventh and eighth rounds but showed immense heart to continue and he rallied in the closing stages to hear the final bell at the AO Arena.
Parker was unsurprisingly given the nod by all three judges - although scores of 115-110, 115-111 and 114-112 were perhaps a little closer than many anticipated - to stay on track for a second tilt at a world title.
Parker, who improved his record to 30 wins from 32 professional contests, told BBC Radio 5 live afterwards: “What a fight. Derek brings it from the first round all the way to the 12th.”
There were occasions when Chisora looked to be out on his feet and on more than one occasion referee Howard Foster seemed poised to step in but the British veteran bravely kept on swinging and had pockets of success.
However, this was a 12th defeat in 44 fights for the 37-year-old, who has been advised to retire by his conqueror.
Parker added: “Personally I would love to see him walk away. He’s given boxing everything he has and honestly he’s a credit to the sport.
“He keeps coming at you, it’s crazy when he’s in fights. I’d love to see him walk away but that’s his decision.”
The first meeting between the pair, behind closed doors because of Covid-19, got off to a frenzied start when Parker was put down by an overhand right within the first 10 seconds before recovering and finishing the stronger fighter.
There was no such drama in the opening seconds this time but this was unquestionably a more riveting affair, with Chisora absorbing a couple of right uppercuts early on, which would prove to be the key punch in Parker’s arsenal.
Another uppercut in the fourth sent Chisora staggering back into the ropes, which prevented a knockdown but led to Foster administering a count, but the Londoner hit back to banish any thoughts of a swift finish to the fight.
Chisora weathered more heavy blows in the sixth and was put down by another uppercut in the seventh but once again came roaring back, with Parker covering up in the final few seconds as his opponent unleashed a furious assault.
Chisora hit the deck for the third and final time in the next round, with Parker following up a glancing uppercut with a push, but he was unable to apply the finishing touches.
Parker looked to tire after bearing the brunt of a sustained body attack, having come into this fight 10lbs heavier than their first fight, and it seemed Chisora was the fresher of the two down the stretch.
The pair continued to trade some fearsome punches down the stretch but Parker had done enough to win, with the standing count and two knockdowns ultimately proving decisive.
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 12
Dave Coldwell pleads to Chisora: “I need you to go to war!”
Into the final round, both men exhausted, Lee asked his man to keep it at range, but both men collide again.
What a combination from Parker, Chisora staggers away.
Parker now retreats after a couple of body shots. A right uppercut from Parker lands again!
Both now digging to the body in the final minute, it’s over! What a war!
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 11
“Good work, you’ve won the fight, you’ve just got to stay focused now,” says Lee in the corner to Parker.
Chisora out on instinct, taking the fight to Parker.
Two more rounds, does he sense he needs a knockout?
Chisora’s jab finding a home.
He’s only landed nine in the fight, 21 for Parker.
Chisora takes two more big uppercuts. Now a shotgun-like right sends Chisora back to the ropes.
Parker vs Chisora 2
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 10
Chisora landing 96 power punches to Parker’s 92.
Parker is leaning on Chisora on the ropes, grabbing a breather.
Chisora discovering a second wind, a brawl he is revelling in. Can he break Parker’s belief?
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 9
It was the right uppercut again that stunned Chisora, then almost a push from Parker that sent him into the ropes.
Chisora ships more damage in the corner, but just as Foster looks ready to end it, he comes out firing.
Now Parker lures Chisora back into the corner. A tired Chisora on the front foot, his legs unsteady, there’s not much left, surely?
A whipping left from Parker, but back comes Chisora. A wild right misses so badly it almost sends Chisora out of the ring.
A jab from Parker, then Chisora counters with a pair of hooks.
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 8
How are we in the eighth round?
These men are digging deep, somehow surviving this heavy artillery.
Chisora whipping to the body. A clubbing left now. Chisora is on top suddenly!
But there’s that right uppercut, it cannot be stopped!
Chisora is gone now, surely?
Out on his feet, he stumbles into the ropes, another count for the Briton, he’s up and back to the corner...
The bell sounds, another big Parker round.
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 7
Chisora is down! He takes a clean right uppercut and staggers to his knees.
He’s up and takes his time, walking to the corner, luring Parker into a trap perhaps... He’s badly hurt again.
But just as Parker lands clean in the corner, the combination forces him to spin, Chisora then back into the fight and rallies. Huge rights to the chin of Parker, how is he standing!?
What a response! Incredible drama!
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 6
Parker feeling the pace somewhat, the snap is less frequent in his shots.
Both men look tired now, Chisora more at home on the inside.
Suddenly a gorgeous right hand lands as the round closes, almost certainly winning Parker the round.
Lee: “Be strong on the inside, this is a dark place, he’s feeling it too. The harder you work, the harder he has to work.”
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 5
Chisora roared on by the crowd, but the right uppercut from Parker is the shot of the fight, it lands again!
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