Derek Chisora vs Kubrat Pulev LIVE: Fight stream, latest updates plus result and reaction
Re-live updates from the main event and undercard at the O2 Arena in London
Derek Chisora halted his run of three straight defeats to beat Kubrat Pulev by a split decision and silence his doubters at the O2 Arena in London.
Two veterans of the sport did battle for a second time, having fought in Hamburg back in 2016, amid talk of what they had left to achieve in boxing. Pulev had won the first meeting by a split decision but was second best for much of the 12 rounds, with Chisora connecting a number of times with his right to make his 45th professional fight one to remember back in the capital.
It earned the 38-year-old heavyweight success after the judges scored the bout many predicted would send him into retirement 112-116, 116-112 and 116-114. The combined age of the duo was 79 but Chisora had faced Oleksandr Usyk in 2020 while Pulev was knocked out by Anthony Joshua at the end of the same year to show their desire to still go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. It was a welcome return to London for “Del Boy’ after bouts with Joseph Parker in Manchester and the former Finchley amateur boasted a strong record of six wins from seven at the O2 Arena. PA
Re-live updates from the main event and undercard, below.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 11
Pulev seems undeterred by the bleeding. Chisora still has plenty of heart, but his lungs are starting to let him down.
The Briton is firing back less and less now. Pulev backs him up again, slinging straight shots at Chisora.
The heavyweights clinch at the end of the round.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 10
Indy Sport has Pulev 86-85 up.
Pulev leans over the Briton on the ropes, but Chisora fires back with body hooks off both wings.
Another cut has opened up around Pulev’s eyes. Again blood is streaming down, this time on the right side of his face.
Pulev tries to stay light on his feet and stick behind the jab. It’s a good spell for the Bulgarian, but Chisora – yet again – comes back, landing an overhand right.
Pulev lands a right hand after the bell, and Chisora responds in kind!!
Make that Pulev 96-94 Chisora, as we see it.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 9
Pulev lands some heavy blows, but Chisora wings a right hook out of nowhere! It nearly spins Pulev around!
Pulev tries to get back into this round, pushing Chisora back against the ropes, but again the Briton fires back powerfully and wobbles the Bulgarian!
This is turning into a wild, captivating contest!
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 8
Good work from Pulev’s team to stop the bleeding – for the time being at least.
The Bulgarian is reaping the benefits, too. His output is increasing, and he seems to be wearing down Chisora...
An uppercut causes Chisora to stumble back onto the ropes, and he looks to be hurt!
But an overhand right and left hook are the response from the Briton late in the round! Now more heavy body shots from the Briton!
Pulev’s round, but a positive end to it from Chisora.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 7
Pulev tags Chisora with a one-two as the Briton tries to close distance.
Chisora had caused a small cut above Pulev’s left eye, but it has really opened up now.
Blood is spilling down that side of Pulev’s face, and it seems to be impairing his vision...
Chisora is starting to have better success with those big right overhands!!
The tide may be turning!
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 6
Pulev mixes it up well as he targets Chisora’s head, but the Briton replies with a successful string of jabs that lead into some heavier punches.
Pulev again tries to pressure Chisora, who misses with an overhand right.
Chisora overshoots his next attempt at an overhand right, too.
Another decent spell for Pulev, who might have edged the last two rounds...
Indy Sport has it 58-56 to the Bulgarian at the midway stage of this fight.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 5
An ugly exchange early in Round 5, with both fighters landing awkward shots in close.
Chisora jabs to the body and then the head. He starts to wind up for an overhand right but thinks better of it. “No, no, patience. Time it,” seems to be the message from his corner.
Now Pulev sinks a hook into the body of Chisora. He backs up the Briton and sneaks some uppercuts behind the jab.
The crowd seems to be worried for a moment, emitting some gasps. Chisora fires back, though.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 4
Solid jabs from Chisora to start this round, then he goes to the well with a right and left hook to the body of the Bulgarian.
Chisora tries for a looping overhand right, but it only grazes Pulev. Now the tourist backs up Chisora with prying jabs.
Chisora creates some space and manages to evade the next string of jabs.
Pulev blocks an overhand right now. That’s two in this round that haven’t caught the 41-year-old cleanly. If one does...
More body work from Chisora. He seems to be investing for the later rounds.
Indy Sport has it 38-38 after four rounds.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 3
Pulev chains together some short shots – jabs and right hands. All the while, he makes Chisora miss.
Pulev tries to keep Chisora at range now, but the Briton charges in with body hooks. They’re heavy punches.
We have a brief time-out now as the referee warns the fighters for their behaviour in the clinch.
Back under way, and Pulev catches Chisora with a right uppercut as the fan favourite ducks.
Chisora vs Pulev 2
Round 2
Pulev drives back Chisora and lands some grazing shots. Chisora already looks a little unsteady on his feet...
Pulev with a snapping jab. He’s using that weapon well now, but Chisora fights back with hooks to the body.
Pulev blocks a big overhand right. Chisora rolls under his opponent’s jabs.
We may be looking at one round apiece.
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