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Derek Chisora Secures Unanimous Decision Victorious Against Otto Wallin
Derek Chisora delivered an impressive performance against Otto Wallin, notching two knockdowns and ultimately winning by unanimous decision in what may be his final bout in the UK. The judges scored the fight 117-109, 114-112, and 116-110, underscoring Chisora’s dominance despite contending with a cut eye for much of the match.
At 41 years old, Chisora is preparing for the 50th fight of his career and has expressed intentions to retire afterward. This victory positions him for a potential world title shot, as his match against Wallin was elevated to an eliminator for the IBF heavyweight title, currently held by Daniel Dubois. Dubois is scheduled to fight Joseph Parker on February 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
“When I arrived, I said to myself I won’t cry but I started crying like a baby [before the fight],” Chisora shared after his victory. “I was in tears because I love the sport and love the fans. I love everything about it, the ups and downs. It was a very emotional day for me today. It was very hard. When I got the cut, then something happened in the third round which I didn’t tell my trainers—my ears popped, and I said I’m going to carry on.”
Following his victory, Chisora’s team displayed photographs of heavyweight champions Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua to the audience. Chisora invited the crowd to indicate their preference for his next opponent, with the Manchester audience showing significant enthusiasm for bouts against Usyk and Joshua.
Previously, Chisora indicated a desire to face Dillian Whyte or Francis Ngannou in his ultimate fight, which is expected to take place outside of the UK.
“Whatever he wants, we will make it happen. We will sit down and make it happen,” stated his promoter Frank Warren. “He’s now won an eliminator for the IBF title, and that’s Daniel Dubois’, so he has that in the bank. Whatever he wants to do, we will do. Tonight, what a performance. I can’t tell you how proud I am of how he fought in there, Otto as well, because it takes two to make a fight.”
Remarkable Performance Against Wallin
Chisora produced one of the standout victories of his 18-year career to the delight of fans at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. He started strong, launching aggressive body shots against Wallin in the early rounds and landing several significant right hooks in the third round.
However, an accidental clash of heads in the fifth round resulted in a cut above Chisora’s right eye. By the sixth round, blood was flowing from the injury, prompting the referee to pause the match for a medical check. Yet, post-examination, Chisora maintained his relentless style and continued to bombard Wallin with heavy punches in the seventh round.
In a remarkable display of tenacity, Chisora unleashed an extraordinary assault in the eighth round, throwing approximately 30 consecutive punches that left Wallin reeling. He further capitalized on the momentum in the ninth with a swift right hand that sent the Swedish fighter to the canvas. In the final round, Chisora tactically maneuvered Wallin into corners to deliver punishing shots to the body, culminating in another knockdown just before the bell.
Daniel Dubois v Joseph Parker and the Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol rematch will be live on Saturday, February 22 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now!
Source
www.skysports.com