Izuchukwu Okosi
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Joseph Parker overcame a resilient Derek Chisora with a unanimous points victory in a titanic encounter to retain the WBO intercontinental heavyweight title at a raucous Manchester AO Arena late Saturday night.
New Zealander Parker had beaten the man nicknamed Del Boy by split decision following a brutal behind-closed-doors battle in May.
Seven months on, this incredible, energy-sapping rematch saw Zambian-born Chisora display remarkable heart and resilience to go the distance against his 29-year-old rival.
Both men emerged with their reputations enhanced after a stunning 12-round scrap which saw Parker’s vicious right-hand uppercuts mete out considerable punishment to 37-year-old Chisora.
Parker knocked him down three times, yet Chisora simply did not know when he was beaten.
In the end, the judges all marked in Parker’s favour – 115-110, 115-111, 114-112 – and the win encouraged hopes of another crack at the world title for the Kiwi.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said Parker’s career was ‘alive and kicking’ following this latest success and the victorious fighter paid tribute to gallant opponent after a classic battle.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
