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
Gongora marching down Richards, who is sharp in there.
A few risks at the end of the round by the Ecuadorian, who was clipped by the left counter.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards
Here comes Richards, he walks to the ring to Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa...
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Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Babic TKO Spilmont
Babic dispatches Spilmont! Big hooks there get the job done.
Babic unloading as Spilmont crumbles into the ropes.
That was a war though.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Gongora vs Richards up next!
It’s a battle for the IBO World Super Middle Title next.
The Ecuadorian is 20-0, while the Briton is 15-0.
It’s a cracker in the making.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Babic vs Spilmont
Early on in the undercard, Babic and Spilmont trading shots in a slug fest.
The southpaw stance of Spilmont is causing issues for Babic.
Babic marches forward and pins Spilmont to the ropes, but he comes out strong, big left hands land after the referee breaks the pair up.
Some nice uppercuts from Spilmont too, it’s gruelling in there.
Derek Chisora’s heavyweight odyssey refuses to slow down
There have been so many supposed endings to Derek Chisora’s heavyweight odyssey that few could ever safely declare its final hurrah. It has already been five years since the greying but enigmatic veteran’s first hateful encounter with Dillian Whyte; almost ten since he was knocked out by David Haye in a grudge match so crude and acrimonious it was repudiated by the BBBoC. He has been beaten, bruised and bloodied by the best of more than one generation, written off repeatedly by the next and yet, no matter how many times Chisora has been felled to the canvas, this Lazarus of British boxing refuses to lie down.
On Saturday at the Manchester Arena, the public will duly rally behind Chisora with the sort of passion reserved only for boxing’s true survivors. After all, courageous defeats have only enhanced his unlikely ascension from villain to hero. Once reviled for his histrionics - from slapping and kissing to death threats and table-throwing - the 37-year-old has slowly mellowed into a sort of lovable rogue, taking solace from boxing’s mad society on a farm outside north London. But all these years later, nowhere has the lure of home quite like the centre of the boxing ring.
If losses haven’t been the bottom line, Chisora’s currency has instead always been excitement. There is an element of chaos to whatever he does, an unpredictable explosiveness that never fails to generate interest inside and outside the ring. He can be sluggish and cumbersome before throwing an explosive Hail Mary, as he did to knock out Carlos Takam in 2018. He can seem to love and hate boxing vividly within the course of one bout, switching from deranged intent or sinking ennui at the flick of a switch that perhaps even Chisora himself doesn’t wholly control.
Derek Chisora’s heavyweight odyssey refuses to slow down
Even after repeatedly falling short at the highest level, the British public still flock out to watch Chisora. It is a rare distinction for a heavyweight who has always worn his heart on his sleeve
Joseph Parker opens up on how coach Andy Lee has helped ahead of Derek Chisora rematch
Parker says: “I’ve done everything in camp with Andy. I’m a lot more improved. That first camp was a short camp with Andy and to get the win was great but this time a long camp has been very beneficial and I feel way different.
“Footwork, defence, countering, being aggressive, being on the front foot, the whole package. I feel like I’ve improved a little bit in each aspect, that’s going to be very helpful in the fight.”
Joseph Parker: ‘My power and speed will help me knock out Derek Chisora'
“I back myself with my power and speed, I have confidence going into this fight and it will be a different fight. I just feel like I’m going to break him down, get him tired and knock him out.
“As an opponent, Derek is as tough as they come. He comes forward, puts on a lot of pressure, he’s probably the best pressure fighter I’ve fought. He comes and just throws big bombs and he does that from round one to round 12.
“In the last fight, he came out fast and strong and I started the fight negative and defensive, I was just trying to counter everything. I picked up the pace before the middle of the fight and towards the end.
“I thought I won the fight but it was a close fight and this time I want to make it a lot clearer. I know he’s going to bring a similar game plan and I’m prepared for it.”
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