‘Chisora is just a journeyman’: Joseph Parker produces a commanding display to defeat Derek Chisora in their gruelling heavyweight rematch, with Del Boy surviving THREE counts before losing out by unanimous points decision in Manchester 

Joseph Parker beat Derek Chisora with a unanimous points victory in a titanic encounter to retain the WBO intercontinental heavyweight title at a raucous Manchester AO Arena.

New Zealander Parker had beaten the man nicknamed Del Boy by split decision following a brutal behind-closed-doors battle in May.

Seven months on, this incredible, energy-sapping rematch saw Chisora display remarkable heart and resilience to go the distance against his 29-year-old rival.

Joseph Parker beat Derek Chisora with a unanimous points victory in their gruelling rematch

The titanic encounter saw Parker retain the WBO intercontinental heavyweight title

An energy-sapping fight saw Chisora show remarkable heart and resilience to go the distance

Parker was not fazed by a baying home crowd, but was forced to go the distance by Chisora

Both men emerged with their reputations enhanced after a stunning 12-round scrap which saw Parker’s vicious right-hand uppercuts mete out considerable punishment to 37-year-old Chisora.

Parker knocked him down three times, yet Chisora simply did not know when he was beaten.

In the end, the judges all marked in Parker’s favour – 115-110, 115-111, 114-112 – and the win encouraged hopes of another crack at the world title for the Kiwi.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said Parker’s career was ‘alive and kicking’ following this latest success and the victorious fighter paid tribute to gallant opponent after a classic battle.

Parker knocked him down three times, yet Chisora simply did not know when he was beaten

Del Boy was made to survive three counts over the 12 rounds, but was able to continue to rally

Parker said: ‘Derek was one tough guy and never stopped coming until the end.

‘He’s a credit to the sport of boxing and the crowd went mental when he walked out – they just want to support him.

‘But we practised and practised that uppercut. What a Christmas present.’

It remains to be seen if this this spells the end for Chisora, who turns 38 later this month.

Parker added: ‘Personally I’d like to see him walk away. He has given boxing everything, but that’s his decision.’

Parker’s razor-sharp start saw him take control of the rematch and land his flurries of punches

Parker tipped the scales at a career-high 251 lbs, almost 10 pounds heavier than last time

Emerging to a baying crowd who were fully behind Chisora, Parker must have felt he was entering a lion’s den. Yet he did not seem fazed in the slightest.

Parker tipped the scales at a career-high 251 lbs, almost 10 pounds heavier than last time and now a three-pound advantage over his rival.

He had prepared for the fight by training in Morecambe alongside close friend Tyson Fury and their shared trainer Andy Lee.

It was a razor-sharp start from Parker this time around, but steadied himself in the second round and the fight exploded into life as both men landed a flurry of heavy punches.

It was brutal stuff and Chisora fashioned a spirited response in the third round before Parker had him on the ropes again.

Chisora took some heavy punishment from Parker, whose vicious uppercut dealt damage

Chisora was able to soak up pressure over the middle rounds but was sent to the canvas again

The crowd’s support for Chisora became more visible and audible as he fought desperately to stay in the contest, much to his credit.

Chisora continued to soak up the pressure in rounds four, five and six as he began to even things up and ask some questions of his own.

The seventh round produced more drama as a beautiful right uppercut put Chisora down but despite the pummelling he regrouped again and hit back in style before the bell.

The eighth round saw some more brutal trading and Chisora was on the ropes again in the ninth but continued to slug it out until the bitter end.

Although Parker deservedly once again emerged victorious, his respect for Chisora was clear to see. And rightly so.

With Parker holding the scorecard advantage, Chisora knew he would have to secure a KO

However in the end, the judges all marked in Parker’s favour – 115-110, 115-111, 114-11

The two warriors share a moment

This is where we will be ending our live coverage this evening.

For all the reaction from both fighters, stay tuned to the website.

A full blow by blow report is also on its way.

But until then, thanks for sticking with us!

PARKER BEATS CHISORA – UNANIMOUS DECISION

It would be unfair to label either of these men a loser, but it is Parker who has won this rematch by a unanimous points decision!

The scorecards read: 115-110, 115-111, 114-12.

Chisora deserves plenty of praise for the manner in which he battled despite the sheer ferocity of some of those blows from Parker.

I enjoyed every second of that – and I hope you did too!