Chisora Drops Joyce To Win A Unanimous Decision
Derek Chisora prevailed in a thrilling heavyweight clash against Joe Joyce, dropping The Juggernaut in a unanimous decision win: 97-92, 96-94 and 96-94.
The fight was billed as Chisora’s final bout at the O2 Arena. He needed a big performance, which he delivered and more. Chisora’s plan was clear. He wanted to cut the distance and get on the inside to attack Joyce’s body in the first.
Joyce hit back with a counter-right that shook Chisora in the first, setting the theme of the fight. Chisora was setting a fast pace in the second, letting his hands go. But Joyce backed Chisora up, only to get hit in return when he unloaded.
Solid Start
The Juggernaut was having some success. An uppercut and left hook stung Chisora near the end of the third, as both fighters were hittable. Joyce’s chin was tested as Chisora connected with numerous right hands over the top. Chisora ate up a right hand in return in a thrilling fourth.
Joyce became frustrated at the end of the fifth, hitting at Chisora after the bell, as the referee spoke to both boxers before the start of the sixth. Chisora was the one connecting with the cleaner shots, although Joyce’s jab was out-landing. With two rounds left, the tide turned in Chisora’s favor. Joyce let his guard down as he was walking Chisora down.
Chisora’s Big Moment
The latter responded with a counter right, which dropped Joyce in a huge 10-8 round in the ninth. Joyce needed a stoppage, but Chisora was unloading in the final round. While both boxers put their first in the air to celebrate, Joyce’s body language showed he was a beaten man. The judges gave the decision to Chisora, who confirmed he had two more fights left. Meanwhile, Joyce must regroup.
Post-Fight
“I haven’t boxed for a year, but I had to dig deep. [And] I was fit, but Joe is a good fighter. I knew I was going to drop him at one stage. [And] I want to thank Frank Warren for keeping faith with me. I thought it was a good way to end my career with the man I started with. It’s not my last fight – I’ve got two more. It’s my last fight in the O2 Arena. I’ll go to Manchester in December,” Chisora
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