Joseph Parker-Dereck Chisora Try To Stay Relevant Saturday Night

Coming up tonight in Manchester, England, a battle of Heavyweight contenders will headline the Matchroom Bxoing show. And, for the winner between former WBO World Champ, Joseph Parker and Journeyman contender Dereck “WAR” Chisora, they’ll still have future larger stage fights in their short term future.

However, the loser is likely done getting anymore top billing.

First, the 29 year old New Zealander Parker is 28-2 with 21 KOs and clearly, on paper has more future potential in the Heavyweight picture. However, he’s not been able to get back to the biggest stages/fights after winning the vacant WBO belt in decision off American Andy Ruiz in 2016. In 2017 he defended it twice before unified Champion Anthony Joshua beat Parker over 12 rounds  in March 2019.

Parker also lost his next fight to English Contender Dillian Whyte three months later, but has been hopeful of getting another title shot at some point.

Ruiz, who’s the former, brief Unified World Champ himself, will coincidentally headline the Fox Sports PPV Saturday night in California against veteran Chris Arreola. It’s the same kind of situation for him.

You can hear more of our discussion of these two fight cards on our “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking below:

Parker has fought, and won, more recently than the Englishman Chisora. This after winning a dull 12 round decision over Junior Fa in late February in New Zealand. That was his first fight post-Covid 19 outbreak and it go him into the picture to come to the U.K. for tonight’s main event.

As for Chisora, when last we saw him, he didn’t have much to offer against former Undisputed Cruiserweight champ, Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk easily out punched and dominated the 37 year old in 12 round decision last October to solidify his #1 WBO status.

Chisora is now 32-10 and after previous losses to now WBC World Champ Tyson Fury, Kubrat Pulev and Dillain Whyte (twice) over the past 6-7 years, this is clearly his last chance to stay relevant for any future meaningful main events.

A Parker win keeps his place at #3 for the WBO, while Usyk is slated to fight #2 Joe Joyce of England later this Summer.

So, will either fighter tonight put forth a good, if not spectacular performance in Manchester or will it be the latest example of two Heavyweights who want the biggest stage but no longer have the talent and “sizzle” to get the public excited for them?

We will find out, soon enough.