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: Jack Cullen vs Kevin Lele Sadjo - Round 3
Both men putting it on the line, Cullen has had his cut above the eye cleaned up - officially it’s down as being caused by a clash of heads.
Cullen happy to wrestle a bit and deny Sadjo the ability to use leverage. It’s scrappy!
A couple of popping jabs, but then Sadjo closes the distance. The Frenchman is digging into the body.
Which man is able to impose their weight more on the other? And who is able to endure this wrestling?
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Jack Cullen vs Kevin Lele Sadjo - Round 2
Cullen starting to get behind the jab.
This is an exciting fight.
Sadjo is like a bulldozer in there, relentless pressure as he marches forward.
Cullen holds in the middle of the ring, he’s bleeding after a couple punches and a head clash. Electric atmosphere in Manchester!
Sadjo already breathing heavy, the short notice might mean he doesn’t have 12 rounds at this pace. He’s set himself a tough task if he intends to keep this up anyway.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Jack Cullen vs Kevin Lele Sadjo - Round 1
Here we go!
Those long levers from Cullen appear to be a big advantage.
Sadjo storming forward!
A big shot lands on the top of Cullen’s head. The referee steps in for a word, just a warning as he pushes his head into the chest of Cullen, dangerously close to Cullen’s eye as he moves up.
Sadjo is down, but it’s a trip. The Briton is six to eight inches taller, can he make that advantage worthwhile? He’s engaging plenty.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett UD Tarimo
117-110, 117-110 and 116-111 all to Barrett! An IBF world title shot against Kenichi Ogawa awaits in 2022.
Joshua Buatsi: “In my opinion, he beat Kiko Martinez, he’s beaten a world champion before.
“He got the win, he handled his business well. He’s proven he can hang in there.”
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 12
Barrett cruising to victory here, Tarimo determined but his pressure lacking variety.
The pair hug at the final bell, the Australian applauds the Briton.
We go to the judges’ scorecards...
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 11
Power punches thrown through 11 rounds
Barrett 250 -199 Tarimo
Power punches percentage landed through 11 rounds
Barrett 44 - 29 Tarimo
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 10
Chisora spotted having his hands wrapped, just one more fight until the main event.
Jack Cullen vs Kevin Lele Sadjo is up next, into the final six minutes of this fight.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 9
Tarimo catches Barrett with a left hook!
And a right as they move in closer, a few uppercuts for good measure.
Barrett now whipping in his own in response. But he can’t keep Tarimo off him. Incredible conditioning.
A smart one-two from Barrett in the final minute, grasping the centre of the ring, real quality.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 8
Barrett getting a telling off in the corner, told to up his activity.
Barrett using his greater length to measure Tarimo, whose activity has dimmed.
The pair come together at the end of the round and land a few shots apiece.
Parker vs Chisora 2 undercard: Barrett vs Tarimo - Round 7
Barrett now moving inside, takes the centre of the ring.
Tarimo slowing slightly, has his race been run?
Barrett happy to line up right hands as Tarimo gets more desperate lunging in now.
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