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Derek Chisora Triumphs Over Otto Wallin in Potential Farewell Bout

Derek Chisora showcased remarkable resilience in a unanimous points victory against Otto Wallin, a match that could mark his final appearance in the UK. This contest, held at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, served as a significant chapter in Chisora’s boxing career, potentially signaling the end of his journey on home turf.

Starting strong, Chisora set the pace early on, landing effective body shots against the towering Swede. Despite sustaining a severe cut above his right eye in the fifth round and another laceration below, he remained undeterred. Throughout the match, he managed to put Wallin on the canvas twice, demonstrating his power and experience in the ring, although he ultimately couldn’t secure a knockout.

With the unanimous decision victory, Chisora is now positioned for a potential challenge for the IBF heavyweight title, facing either Daniel Dubois or Joseph Parker, who are scheduled to meet on February 22.

The bout began with Chisora looking to establish his dominance, unloading powerful punches while Wallin struggled to find his rhythm. Wallin, who had previously faced defeats only against heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, found it difficult to answer Chisora’s attacks early on.

As the match progressed, Chisora’s aggression earned him a significant edge. A notable right hand in the third round allowed him to maintain control, and even after incurring his cut, he continued to press forward. The referee paused the fight in the sixth round to assess the damage to Chisora’s eye. Following clearance from the ringside physician, the fight resumed, and Chisora’s corner worked quickly to minimize the bleeding.

Chisora resumed his offensive strategy in the seventh round, trapping Wallin against the ropes with a series of combinations. The decisive moment came in the ninth round when a powerful right hook sent Wallin crashing to the canvas, and although he managed to rise and receive a standing eight count, the momentum had clearly shifted in Chisora’s favor.

As the final rounds approached, fatigue began to set in for Chisora, causing the pace to slow down. Wallin’s resilience was again tested as he hit the floor just before the fight concluded. However, Chisora had already established a commanding lead, ensuring his victory.

Looking ahead, Chisora’s next steps remain uncertain, but there is speculation that his 50th bout could take him abroad, with possible venues in Saudi Arabia or African countries being discussed as locations for his future fights.

Source
www.theguardian.com