Derek Chisora claims stunning upset win over Joe Joyce in all ...
Derek Chisora claimed a stunning victory via unanimous decision to power his way past Joe Joyce in an all-British heavyweight clash at the O2 Arena in London.
The fight was scored 97-92, 96-94, 96-94 in Chisora’s favour to secure the 35th win of a long career, while this defeat surely ends any lingering hopes of a world title challenge for Joyce.
This was an all-British clash which felt like a last-chance saloon for both fighters, with Chisora losing four of his previous six fights, while Joyce’s two defeats to Zhilei Zhang would have been fresh in his mind.
Chisora had hinted that retirement may not be too far away, and it could have been lights out for the 40-year-old when Joyce caught him with a swift left hook as the first round came to a close.
The Finchley fighter responded by arguably shading the second with a swift left-right combination which caught Joyce off guard.
Chisora was tiring in the third as Joyce landed a telling hook on the bell, with momentum going in favour of the 'Juggernaut'.
But he fought back admirably, launching a flurry of punches to hang in there despite clearly being fatigued.
Joyce was caught with two hefty Chisora right hands, with the latter proving just how dangerous he could be after being forced back onto the ropes.
Chisora took a wobble as Joyce landed a swift combination, and was withstanding much more punishment in the ninth round.
What followed was then scarcely believable, as Joyce was sent tumbling to the canvas and beat the referee’s count after a right cross from Chisora.
A pulsating 10th and final round ensued, with Chisora straining every sinew to stay in this fight and becoming increasingly exhausted.
He had the crowd on side and was continuing to land a series of huge shots, despite continuing to be on the back foot.
Then came the defining moment, as all three judges scored the fight in Chisora’s favour to prove there is still more to come.