Joseph Parker v Derek Chisora 2 preview: Chisora seeks knockout revenge

As a year of twists and turns in the heavyweight division comes to an end, there’s still time for one more headliner match-up as Joseph Parker takes on Derek Chisora for a second time in just over six months.

While Parker ran out victorious in their first meeting via split decision, many believe Chisora did enough to get the job done. And while Parker would have hoped to move on to bigger and better things in the form of a world title bid, he must settle the score for good in Manchester on Saturday if he is to push for another shot at the ultimate prize.

Parker training with Tyson Fury

The world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been an ever-present tormentor in the career of Derek Chisora, who he beat in 2014 by way of a dramatic stoppage, and has never let his compatriot hear the end of it.

It seems fitting that New Zealand-born Parker looked to Fury to train alongside ahead of the rematch, and the pair have struck up an interesting bromance over the last year, as the Kiwi soaks up the experience of training with one of the greatest heavyweights in the modern era.

While training with a champion is beneficial, it remains to be seen whether Parker has made any adjustments under the tutelage of Fury, with one key area of focus seemingly Parker’s power punches.

Although the 29-year-old has shown to possess a world-class chin, he’s never quite dealt a killer knockout blow of any substance on meaningful occasions, with his last five victories against world-ranked opponents coming via decision. Even the cruiserweight-turned-heavyweight Alen Babic managed to knock out a poor Shawndell Winters in quicker fashion than Parker.

If Parker is to improve beyond his level, he’ll need to show he can deal decisive blows to world-ranked opposition, starting with Chisora on Saturday night. Parker to win by KO, TKO or DQ is 2/1, while we’ve enhanced his price to win in rounds 7-12 from 4/1 to 5/1.

Last chance saloon at world level for Chisora?

Though Chisora has shown a lot in his previous two fights against Oleksandr Usyk and Parker, losing both via decision, a third successive defeat at world level could prove costly for the Brit’s value as a future headliner.

But, with Chisora seemingly on the edge of disappearing from world level once more, it’s unarguable that British fans will have the backing of one of the most enigmatic characters boxing has seen in this country for many years. And victory on Saturday could propel him back among the division’s elite.

What does Chisora have to change in this fight? There isn’t much he can do to improve his quality. We know what Chisora is going to bring with his front-foot bulldozing approach. But it’s a question of will he be at peak fitness going into this fight, like he has in all of his most impressive performances in recent times?

Chisora to win by KO, TKO or DQ was 4/1 and has been enhanced to 9/2, while you can get him to win outright at 11/5.

Check out all the latest boxing betting odds at William Hill