Derek Chisora handed heavyweight title lifeline after WBO verdict on Joseph Parker trilogy

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Derek Chisora has been handed a world-title fight lifeline, with the WBO green-lighting a trilogy fight against Joseph Parker.

With WBO interim heavyweight champion Parker set for a return in September, a third fight with Chisora could be on the cards.

World Boxing Organisation (WBO) president Gustavo Olivieri revealed to Sky Sports that “Parker may defend his interim title against any of the top-15 WBO world-rated contenders”.

Chisora is now the WBO’s seventh-ranked heavyweight boxer, and has seen his upcoming career prospects boosted by the organisation saying it would sanction a challenge to the New Zealander Parker.

The Briton’s next fight will be his 50th and likely final, with 36 wins and 13 losses next to his name to date.

Frank Warren-fronted Queensberry promotions, who represent both Chisora and Parker, are putting plans together for the coming months, with the latter scheduled as the next mandatory challenger to unified champ Oleksandr Usyk, who defends against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on 19 July.

Parker’s representative David Higgins has confirmed that the 33-year-old Kiwi would be open to a third fight with Chisora, when speaking to Sky Sports.

Joseph Parker is the Interim Champion and mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s title (REUTERS)

Parker has already beaten Chisora twice, with a split decision in 2021 and unanimous decision the following year.

Since then, he has piled on victories over the likes of Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole.

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

See Schedule

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

See Schedule

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Chisora, now 41, has lost just once since being felled by former WBO champion Parker twice in succession, with victories over Kubrat Pulev, Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce, and most recently Otto Wallin in February.

He last challenged for heavyweight gold in December 2022, when Tyson Fury stopped him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to retain his WBC crown.

Read the full article here