Chisora Stops The Rot With Split Decision Win

Derek Chisora was on a three-fight losing streak heading into the second bout he’s had in his career with Kubrat Pulev, with a fourth reverse unthinkable for the Finchley heavyweight. But finally, after defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker (x2), Chisora won the war by split decision.

If there’s one thing you could say about Chisora, it’s that he’s got heart. And, after finding somewhat of a second wind in his career, he's found himself capable of competing with the best by changing how he lives and committing more to the sport. But, heading into his second fight against Pulev, who he lost to by split decision in 2016, it’s fair to say he was the slight underdog.

But, in typical Chisora style, the man originally from Zimbabwe took the fight to his opponent. Both men, veterans at thirty-eight and forty-one, were keen to exchange blows and get right into it. Bulgarian Pulev managed to keep Chisora at bay early on with his Eastern European style, but the Brit was able to work the body well, and it was proving to be an area where increased focus was placed.

As always, Chisora’s style is that he knows he’s going to get hit when he’s on the front foot, but as long as he can get some shots off of his own, it’s a deal he’s willing to take. And it became more apparent in the second half of the bout that Chisora was prepared to go to war against Pulev to ensure victory. Both men were hurt, wobbled and tired, but it was Chisora’s night, with the O2 Arena coming alive multiple times to help him across the finishing line in a split decision win.

The question now is, who's next for Chisora? The Londoner is always worth the entry fee, and his recent losses have come against outstanding opponents. After defeating Pulev, who many will class as a top fifteen heavyweight, there is now talk that Chisora could be in line for an even bigger fight later in the year. And, you wouldn’t begrudge him that, especially after being open that he’s just in it now to entertain and to make money.

There is talk that Chisora wants to get in the ring with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, with the Alabaman in the comeback trail. The fight would certainly make sense from a financial point of view, in the UK or in the US, but Chisora’s style could put him at risk of suffering a heavy knockout, something which Wilder specialises in.

Other potential bouts include a trilogy with former rival Dillian Whyte, with the previous two fights between the pair proving to be entertaining spectacles. Luis Ortiz and Chris Areola have also been mentioned, but the money may not be too appealing. The Adam Kownacki clash could also happen, with the pair due to meet at the O2 Arena, before the Pole pulled out and was replaced by Pulev.