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 4
Chisora resurgent in the fourth, leaning on Parker and looking to whip in sneaky shots to the body.
What an uppercut by Parker, Chisora only up by the ropes, he takes a count!
Chisora in the corner, looking to counter and buy time, will he survive?
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 3
That was a gorgeous overhand right from Parker in the last round, Chisora’s granite chin keeping him upright.
Parker with 23 power punches after two rounds, Chisora with 19 of his own.
Uppercut! Parker has Chisora hurt, he’s badly hurt, is he out on his feet, he staggers into the corner!
Wild counters from Chisora, Parker retreats.
What heart from Chisora to pour on the pressure late himself.
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 2
Replays show that clubbing right from Parker bounced off Chisora’s shoulder.
Chisora now starting on the front foot here.
An old trick, but a good one, jab to the body and bounce a big right off it over the top. Parker slipping well.
This one has come to life, wow! Bombs away!
A big Parker uppercut, then Chisora rallies. Sharp work from Parker at mid-range. Precision with the right.
Huge shots from Parker, he’s dominated this round, Chisora creaking. But Lee is furious, “don’t get into a fight with this guy!”
Parker vs Chisora 2 - Round 1
Here we go, round 13 in essence is underway!
“Oh Derek Chisora” rings around the arena.
Parker holding the centre of the ring, a change in approach here.
Chisora jabs to the body, then misses wildly over the top.
Huge right hand from Parker, Chisora absorbs it. Parker looks on it tonight. The speed and accuracy is there.
Chisora now on the front foot and backing Parker into the corner. A great opener, but it surely goes to the New Zealander.
Parker vs Chisora 2
Here comes War Chisora, ‘Hotel California’ rings around the Manchester Arena!
Parker can be seen jogging around the corridors of the arena to make his own ring entrance.
An electric atmosphere here, how will that impact this fight this time around?
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Kevin Lele Sadjo TKO6 Jack Cullen
Cullen shows his chin again! Big right from Sadjo lands to start the sixth!
Now both men in close again, this is tough!
What a shot! Incredible shot and Cullen goes down! It’s over after a brave effort to get up.
A sickening left hook to the body, snuck in around the guard.
A beautiful shot, he used up most of the count, but couldn’t convince the referee to continue.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Jack Cullen vs Kevin Lele Sadjo - Round 5
Cullen on the backfoot, Sadjo looping a right hook in.
Cullen doing better here as he keeps it long.
But the swinging rights from Sadjo are dangerous!
Sadjo dropping his hands and is side on, it’s risky, but can Cullen expose those mistakes?
Quality round from both men.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Jack Cullen vs Kevin Lele Sadjo - Round 4
Andy Lee on Joseph Parker: “He's fitter, stronger, bigger and we've improved his mindset.It's what he weighs naturally, we haven't tried to bulk up.”
Sadjo has had a final warning, he’ll have a point taken off for a shot behind the back of the head if he lands one more there.
Cullen bending down to try get in close.
Power punches landed after four rounds
Cullen 36-43 Sadjo
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