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 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 6
Tarimo desperately trying to crack the smooth tempo of Barrett.
Tarimo switching stances, then gets tagged with a counter right. Barrett’s efficiency impressive, Tarimo with all the volume, but the more spiteful shots from the Briton, who has demonstrated great range too.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 5
Brilliant from Barrett!
Whipping them in, fast and furious!
Tarimo is game, he keeps coming, immense bravery.
A couple of beautiful straight rights before the looping hooks froze Tarimo momentarily.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 4
More pressure from Tarimo, Barrett smooth across the ring, flicking out a jab and then punching through on occasion to deter Tarimo.
Barrett coping well with the pressure so far.
Tarimo prone to Barrett’s right due to his southpaw stance.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 3
Tarimo caught there coming in!
A knockdown, but he's straight up and pushing the pace again. Barrett not taking the bait to be lured into a fire fight.
Barrett showing great discipline to end the round, he banks the knockdown though and takes a big step towards winning this world title eliminator.
It was a check left hook off the ropes, impressive shot from Barrett, a lovely counter.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 2
Barrett happy to move around the outside of the ring with counter lefts.
Tarimo with all the aggression so far, very busy.
Coming in low and then looking to confuse Barrett with his jab.
Great work boxing Barrett into the corner late in the round, Tarimo then lets his hands go.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 1
Tarimo very aggressive already.
Barrett on the back foot and looking to fire away the uppercuts.
Good action early on.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Richards SD Gongora
“I’m glad I got the win, it wasn’t the best Richards, the best is yet to come,” says Richards. “I felt like I did enough.
“I boxed well. I felt I done enough clearly.
Hearn adds: “One for the purists, very difficult to beat.
“He’ll be difficult to match and beat. He needs to be more exciting.
“There were times, I thought he could have stopped him. Let’s put it into context. He’s beaten a top 10 super-middleweight in my opinion at ease.
“He’s a very good boxer, start stopping people. it’s a really big win. “
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Richards SD Gongora
115-113 to Richards, 116-112 to Gongora and 115-113 to Richards, the new champion by split decision!
“I thought he was the better boxer on the night. Gongora kept coming forward, pressure doesn’t win boxing matches,” says Bellew.
“The judge who gave it to Gongora should explain his card.”
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 12
Gongora charges out, pounding away. Overhand lefts, Richards skips away. Gongora jabs to the body, the pair clinch.
Gongora running out of ideas, bobbing and weaving on the inside.
Richards has been defensively excellent, even if his offense hasn't been exhilarating.
Richards now smothering, he feels like he's done enough, both men lift their hands. No classic, but has Richards got the job done to grab the IBO belt?
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards
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