AUCKLAND, 20 SEPTEMBER 2021 (STUFF NZ) – Joseph Parker’s long-awaited rematch with Dereck Chisora has been confirmed for December 18 in Manchester.
Parker’s British promoter Eddie Hearn announced the fight along with Dillian Whyte taking on Sweden’s Otto Wallin in London on October 30.
Parker claimed a controversial split decision points win over Chisora in an entertaining fight at the same Manchester venue in May.
The judges scored it 115-113 Chisora, 116-111 Parker and 115-113 Parker, with Chisora furious and instantly demanding a rematch that Parker was agreeable to.
The deal has taken a long time to get done and gives Parker his third fight of the year after he beat fellow Kiwi Junior Fa on points in Auckland last summer.
“There were other offers on the table and talk of fighting Joe Joyce, but we felt a Chisora rematch made sense,” Parker’s manager David Higgins told Stuff.
“They are both household names in New Zealand and the UK and are globally recognised. The first fight was close … we saw it as a close but clear win to Joseph, and we’ve decided it’s worthy of a rematch.
“For Joseph to have three fights in a year in a pandemic is pretty good under the circumstances.”
Parker has remained in good condition and will leave soon for Britain to reunite with his new trainer Andy Lee.
Higgins said negotiations were still going on for the New Zealand broadcast of the fight.
Parker is on a five-fight winning streak in a run he hopes will take him to another title fight.
Chisora has made changes to his corner with respected British trainer David Coldwell returning to guide him for this fight.
Parker is at 29-2 with 21 KOs while Chisora’s record is now 32-11 with 23 KOs.
