Dereck Chisora

Dereck Chisora rematch firming for Joseph Parker in new multi-fight deal

It seems Parker’s UK backers were impressed enough with his final effort on their original three-fight deal as he battled to a contentious split points decision against Chisora.

Parker’s New Zealand manager David Higgins has had a productive discussion with Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith that points to a positive future.

Smith sees value in a Parker v Chisora sequel and Higgins and Parker like the feel of it too.

Joseph Parker edges points win over Dereck Chisora

Parker has come back from being knocked down less than 10 seconds into the first round to score a split decision points victory in Manchester, England on Sunday (NZ time).

In what was a close bout throughout the 12 rounds, the former WBO world champion was the stronger of the two fighters in the second half of the contest, doing just enough to notch his fifth straight win.

Parker won the fight 116-111 and 115-113 on two of the three judges' scorecards, with the other judge scoring it 115-113 for Chisora.

'Joseph Parker won't be able to handle Dereck Chisora's heat'

Chisora and former WBO champion Parker square off on May 2 (NZT), both tuning up with new trainers.

American Buddy McGirt, the man in the corner of Chisora, doesn’t believe Parker will be able to handle the “heat” coming his way.

"I mean it's not going to be an easy task, but we've just got to keep the heat on him," McGirt told Sky Sports UK.

"It's not a secret. Keep the pressure and the heat on, and make him uncomfortable, every second of every round."

When he was asked if Parker could handle these tactics, McGirt didn't hesitate: "No, personally no.

Parker pulls out of Chisora bout

The fight's promoter Eddie Hearn has announced Parker has pulled out due to illness.

Reports out of the US suggest Parker's illness may have been caused by a spider bite.

It was scheduled to be Parker's second fight with Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.

Parker's last fight was against Alex Leapai - he won it with a TKO in the 10th round.

     

Joseph Parker looking to make up for lost time after Alex Leapai victory

The Kiwi heavyweight made his first appearance in six months in Providence, Rhode island on Saturday (Sunday NZ time) and delivered a one-sided 10th-round TKO victory over Australian veteran Alex Leapai.

The bout was the first of a three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and Parker confirmed his intention to get back get back in the ring as soon as possible as he looks to make another run at the title.