'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora are back for another 12 rounds from the AO Arena in Manchester, England. In May this year, the two heavyweight fighters went to a notable split-decision, with Parker coming out on top after a hectic showdown.
There's no title at stake here, but it's still a big heavyweight division scrap. Both men have championship aspirations, and a win on Saturday would put either in line for a title shot in their next bout.
Trending
Let's take a look at what to expect from these heavyweight contenders.
Joseph Parker vs. Derek Chisora: Preview
The first encounter between Chisora and Parker in May of this year was a tale of two halves. Chisora jumped his opponent in the initial frames, even scoring a first-round knockdown. However, the latter six rounds that night were owned by Parker as he jabbed away and slowed the fight to his pace.
The outing was Chisora's best in years, even considering how he faded over the contest's back half. Having always been something of a heavyweight gatekeeper, Chisora has done his best work recently to shed that label.
For Parker, he's in danger of becoming a cautionary tale of failed potential. Heading into his fight with Anthony Joshua, Parker seemed like one of the best hopes to dethrone 'AJ'. But since that loss, he's seemed to take a massive step back.
The 29-year-old lost to Dillian Whyte in his first outing after Joshua. Parker then faced lesser opponents during his next four bouts prior to Chisora. The Chisora fight was expected to be a walkover for the New Zealander, instead it was one of the toughest nights of his career.
Will things be different on Saturday? Let's take a look.
Joseph Parker vs. Derek Chisora: Fight Analysis
The biggest key to Derek Chisora's success in their first bout was his rough and tumble approach. His first-round knockdown was the fight's biggest moment, but what's been lost is his success outside of that. He had a lot of volume, and was crowding Parker the entire time, giving him zero chance to breathe.
That's generally how Chisora fights, and it worked great vs. his favored rival. If Chisora wants to win this one, however, he desperately needs to regain and maintain that momentum. Although, 'War's' cardio has never been great and it's only gotten worse with age
Chisora's best chance to beat Parker was probably their first fight. While Chisora fading helped Parker greatly, that's not the only reason the New Zealander found success. He found a great home for his jab, his combinations improved as the rounds passed, and had he sat down on some of his punches he likely would've gotten 'Del Boy' out of there.
I'm inclined to think Parker will do much better this time. He knows what to expect and he knows he has the edge as the fight wears on. The former WBO champion will likely clinch early to tire Chisora. After sapping his opponent, expect Parker to right his wrongs from the first fight.
The Outcome
Joseph Parker's career will get back on track on Saturday night. Derek Chisora is a tough guy and a tough out for anyone in the division, but he's only getting older. It doesn't help matters that he's now 37-years-old.
Expect Parker to survive the early onslaught and get the decisive win he was supposed to get in May.
Prediction: Joseph Parker via decision.
