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: Gongora vs Richards - Round 11
Bellew has it 97-93 to Richards after 10: "I feel as though Richards is up, you could go 6-4, I feel he's adjusted to Gongora's power. He's pushing him back. Gongora has brought the pressure. For me Richards is winning this and Gongora needs a knockout.
Total punches thrown: Richards 399-362 Gongora
Total punches landed: Richards 98-77 Gongora
Richards is smart up close, taking the power off Gongora's shots and producing a flurry of shots, which may be catching the eyes of the judges.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 10
Richards makes Gongora miss with the overhand left. Richards still comfortable through 10 rounds. Now some cuffing rights from Richards on the inside that rocks Gongora.
He now chases the Briton across the ring.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 9
Gongora has landed 9 power punches in round 9, Richards just one, the Ecuadorian has thrown 24 too, it's generated huge momentum.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 7
Gongora now leaning in, trying to rough up Richards on the inside, a pawing jab and then chopping down with the left. Richards finds some space with a minute to go, jabbing with a bit more snap.
Richards with a tidy one-two to end the round, after going for a walk. He also landed a crafty uppercut that landed clean.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 6
“There you go,” shouts Caldwell, encouraged by Richards’ work.
Meanwhile Chisora has arrived, in a “No Mercy” tracksuit, plus British flag face mask.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 5
Tony Bellew has it 39-37 to Richards after four.
Richards has the edge, 14-12, in the jab count.
Richards soaking up a few left hands, he’s getting closer here.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 4
Buzzing in and around the pocket, the right is confusing Gongora.
He’s tied Gongora up there too, it’s not thrilling, but Richards’ plan is working.
A lead right hook catches Richards there though. Another tight round.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards - Round 3
After two rounds, Richards’ gameplan is working.
He lands 16 punches to Gongora’s 13.
A clubbing left from Gongora lands as Richards scampers away.
Still plenty of chasing from Gongora, Richards’ right is proving an effective deterrent.
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