Dereck Chisora gets revenge over Kubrat Pulev after gripping war

Boxing rematches usually emanate from one or a combination of three factors: the public clamouring for an encore, a sanctioning body mandating the sequel and/or a controversial conclusion to the first fight. Dereck Chisora vs Kubrat Pulev 2, which headlined a Matchroom/DAZN card from London’s O2 tonight, curiously adhered to none of these scenarios. Their initial battle, which took place in Hamburg some years ago, saw the Bulgarian take what appeared to be a comfortable decision – though officially a split verdict – after a workmanlike affair. Perhaps it is indicative of public frustration with the inactivity of the heavyweight champions that a contest between two top 20 heavyweights could main event a TV show despite their being no grudge to settle nor incentive for the victor beyond keeping their career alive.

“War” Chisora entered on the back of three straight defeats, albeit in world-class company, and had reunited with mentor Don Charles in hopes of finding that elusive winning formula once more. Pulev had fought just once since his valiant defeat to Anthony Joshua 19 months ago. At 41, Kubrat is three years the older man, but it appeared the combative “Del Boy”, with 13 additional pro fights, had more miles on the clock than the veteran former amateur star.

Fans were treated to a compelling slugfest as it transpired, with Chisora taking a heartwarming split decision triumph – and his revenge - with scores of 116-112 and 116-114 to Chisora, against a 116-112 to Pulev.

Chisora began more aggressively than their previous fight, in a battle of former European champions and world title challengers. He weaved under Pulev’s long arms to whale away at the body, while the Bulgarian tried to tie him up. Pulev began to find his range in round two, but it was competitive and a little messy. The third continued in a similar vein, Chisora plugging away and Pulev looking to land the long right hand and uppercut from the same hand. Dereck’s feet slowed a little in the next, allowing Pulev to pick him off at times, but Chisora’s dedicated body attack and head movement edged him the round for me.

Pulev began to put his punches together in the fifth round, at mid-range, despite sustaining a cut eye due to a head-clash. Chisora was being backed to the ropes more than he would have liked. He enjoyed a resurgent round six, rolling forward and landing downstairs. Chisora had no issue getting into range but could have pulled the trigger quicker and more often. A frustrated Pulev received his final warning for holding. Pulev controlled much of the next, but Chisora landed a hard right over the top with around a minute left. It had Kubrat’s cut oozing blood, while follow-up lefts and rights forced him onto the retreat. Chisora, perhaps due to the exertions in the previous round, looked tired in the eighth and was buzzed by an uppercut, but he roared back with a right-left hook.

Round nine went clearly to Chisora on my card. He landed several big right hands as Pulev looked increasingly frustrated. Pulev outworked his opponent in the next, despite picking up another cut and his second ‘final’ warning from the referee. Kubrat dominated round 11, peppering Chisora, who threw significantly less in the first two minutes. Pulev looked like his face had been mangled but was now in a clear lead for me. Chisora certainly approached the final session like a man behind, punishing Pulev to head and body. I tallied 115-113 (seven rounds to five) in favour of Pulev, however.