Derek Chisora v Joseph Parker: Chisora to continue to impress?

On Saturday, Derek Chisora will enter the ring for his 43rd professional contest, this time up against former world champion Joseph Parker, with a chance to throw himself back into world title contention.  

Chisora in his best career shape?

 Derek Chisora last fought for a world title over nine years ago in February of 2012, but whether that version of the Zimbabwe-born Briton would defeat the current version of Derek Chisora is up for debate.

Although the 37-year-old is coming off a loss, there are few fighters in the world who could’ve put on as accomplished a performance as Chisora did against his last opponent, the undefeated, former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk, who is vying to become a two-weight world champion by clinching the heavyweight title before he calls time on his career, was rocked and made to fight ugly in his last fight against Chisora – few fighters, barring Mairis Briedis, have given the Ukrainian so many problems, whilst ‘Del Boy’ showed a new-found engine to go the full 12 rounds at pace.

Before defeat to Usyk, Chisora enjoyed knockout wins against Carlos Takam, Artur Szpilka and David Price during the years prior, and remains a fan favourite among the British audience.

Since his decision to switch trainers, where he now prepares under David Haye, Chisora has cleaned up his diet and training regime, which has resulted in a much leaner, ferocious front-foot forward version of the once sluggish brawler; the tools are being sharpened, and it’s time to see whether success can still be achieved at world level.

Third time lucky on return to England?

 Following two consecutive defeats in the UK against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte between March and July of 2018, Joseph Parker returns with a point to prove to the British fans, and on paper, it’s his most favourable test from the three.

But, since those two defeats, Parker has largely fought with the level of opponent that would be associated with British or European level, and a 12-round unanimous decision victory in his last bout was met with criticism regarding the judges’ scoring.

The one thing that Parker has in abundance is heart – match that with a chin of granite, coupled with the fact that he’s only been dropped once in his whole professional career and this isn’t going to be an easy night’s work for Chisora, who will have to play patient to hurt the New Zealander.

If Chisora can get to Parker, there’s every chance the Brit can provide a stunning, unprecedented stoppage victory – you can get Chisora to win by KO, TKO or DQ at 10/3. Should Parker box smart and keep the Briton at bay, then there’s every chance a points victory for the travelling fighter could be on the cards, which you can get at 7/4.

Chisora and Parker to win the fight by any outcome, meanwhile, is 8/5 and 4/7 respectively.

Check out all the latest boxing betting odds at William Hill