Hearn on Parker-Chisora 2: I don’t think it’ll go the distance this time
Promoter Eddie Hearn told BetFred TV that he doesn't expect the rematch to reach the final bell and how he believes the crowd is going to help Chisora this time around.
Ahead of Joseph Parker vs. Derek Chisora 2 at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday December 18 shown live worldwide on DAZN, promoter Eddie Hearn gave his views on the blockbuster rematch fight.
Hearn began by praising heavyweight favourite Derek Chisora (32-11, 23KOs) for how much he has changed for the better over the last few years, “He’s definitely calmed down a little bit and cooled down. There was a time when he was incredibly violent and you would worry about him picking something up and throwing it. Back then he was a lot scarier than he is now. He was very temperamental but now he’s matured.”
Despite losing his last two fights in a row (Usyk in 2020, Parker in 2021 – both on points), the 37-year-old who goes by the moniker 'War' is still fighting on in the twilight of his 14-year-plus career.
“He really loves boxing”, Hearn continued. “This guy is in the gym, not just training, but around young fighters too and he also spent time in Anthony Joshua’s camp ahead of the Oleksandr Usyk fight. He loves it. People ask about what’s on the line for these fighters. Don’t worry about what’s on the line for Chisora as he just loves to fight. I think if he had seven losses on the spin, he’d still be looking to go again.
Hearn then provided his prediction for the rematch, “Joseph Parker is looking to regain the Heavyweight title and he’s well placed to do that, but for Chisora it’s just about fighting and winning. I think the crowd will make a big difference this time, although Joseph Parker looks really fit and strong. I think Parker’s camp are thinking that they’ll take Chisora out this time inside the distance, but I think it’s going to be a really exciting fight and I don’t think it’ll go the distance this time.”
If the result does pan out the way Hearn predicts, then it would surely pave way for a trilogy decider between the two heavyweights, although Hearn is not competely convinced on this, “Well you think, will Chisora get a shot at a World title? Commercially he’s a big name and you know he’s always going to be in big fights. There are people who claim he’s got 11 losses but look who he’s lost too. Realistically, he beat Robert Helenius. Lost twice to Tyson Fury. He lost twice to Dillian Whyte in two very close fights and lost to Vitali Klitschko. The most disappointing defeat was probably Agit Kabayel in Monaco, which he couldn’t get up for in a small environment. The crowd will really help him on December 18th.”
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