AO Arena Manchester:
For the second straight fight between Dereck Chisora and Joseph Parker they went to the judge’s scorecards. In going 24-rounds now, the heavyweights created fireworks in Manchester again. This time all three judges saw the fight in favor of the New Zealand native, Parker; 115-110, 115-111, 114-112. The first time, back in May without an audience it was a split decision win for the visitor.
Parker had three knockdowns this time around. Chisora despite that and breathing heavy at times kept coming forward. The loss for “DelBoy” is his third in a row. He hasn’t as of right now decided about officially calling it a career. The 37-year old can obviously still bang, and is a massive draw in the UK; but holes are showing more now. The role of gatekeeper would always be there, but; it might not be a pretty site.
Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie_Hearn admitted post fight that while the heavyweight titles queue is full, Parker is still in the hunt. He suggested perhaps a battle with Filip Hrgovic in an IBF title eliminator might be next. His last loss came at the hands of Dillian Whyte. Although Whyte’s on the verge of a title shot, perhaps Parker would want to wait and see those results, looking to run back their fight. Or the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion might look to target Joe Joyce or Andy Ruiz. Both of which would test him enough to see if he can truly get back to the top of a division.
Fireworks In Manchester Again
Trainer Andy Lee kept warning Parker not to get into a slugfest; but easier said than done. Parker fighting behind his jab, with some precision shots, along with well timed uppercuts were the difference. Make no mistake about it though, Chisora dug deeper than he has in a long time to make it to the final bell. He was locked in so much that at the end of the fourth round, Chisora got in Parker’s face and screamed for the crowd to come more alive.
Parker also said post fight:
“He’s a credit to the sport of boxing and the crowd went mental when he walked out; they just want to support him. But we practiced and practiced that uppercut… Personally I’d like to see him walk away. He has given boxing everything. But that’s his decision”.
If anything, the last 24 rounds between these warriors have shown that Parker’s chin has gotten better. As he’s had to survive the dynamite in Chisora’s hands. Could he be a legit threat to his friend Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk though, might be a much different question.
