Derek Chisora, at 41 years old, proved he still has the fire as he defeated Sweden’s Otto Wallin by unanimous decision on Saturday night at the Co-op Arena in Manchester, England. This significant victory earned Chisora, now boasting a record of 36 wins and 13 losses, the mandatory position for the IBF heavyweight title, eyeing gold for perhaps one last time.
The bout, billed as an IBF title eliminator, saw Chisora show resilience and determination, overcoming early setbacks to rally late against Wallin, who entered the fight with 27 wins and 3 losses. The judges scored the match 117-109, 116-110, and 114-112, showcasing Chisora's tenacity as he pushed through the age-related challenges.
Initially, it looked like Wallin might control the contest. The southpaw, known for his long reach and technical prowess, effectively utilized his jab and power punches, even landing several powerful shots on Chisora's face. By the end of the eight rounds, Wallin seemed to be leading, having dominated through his jab and consistent pressure.
Nonetheless, Chisora, labeled by some as “Del Boy”, turned the tables dramatically. His experience and gritty style began to shine through during the championship rounds. The turning point came when Chisora delivered a strategic right hand, sending Wallin to the canvas for the first time at the end of the ninth round. It was somewhat controversial—more of a trip than purely from power—but the referee ruled it as a legitimate knockdown.
Chisora continued applying the pressure, which characterized his boxing style throughout his lengthy career. He looked to corner Wallin, engaging him against the ropes and landing impactful body shots and headshots. A moment of concern arose when Chisora suffered cuts over his right eye due to what was ruled as a clash of heads, though many believed it was from Wallin's punches. Still, instead of wavering, Chisora seemed empowered by the challenge, pushing forward.
The final round saw Chisora landing another significant right cross, knocking Wallin down once again and sealing his victory decisively. Although Chisora showed signs of fatigue, his ability to score these knockdowns highlighted his experience and proved pivotal. Remarkably, this performance might be seen as one of the best of his career, blending aggression and tactical clinches.
Post-fight, Chisora reflected on his career, explaining, “I did it my way. You see, Cristiano Ronaldo still plays football, not because he wants to make money. It is not about money; it is about him playing football, enjoying the gift he has got and having fun.” This commentary draws comparisons to how athletes pursue their passions, regardless of their financial necessity. Many believe Chisora’s legacy is rooted not just in victories but his entertaining and combative style.
Wallin, on the other hand, may face doubts following another disappointing outing on such a significant stage. Despite his skills and potential, the fight against Chisora reveals the psychological pressure of high-stakes bouts and how it can freeze fighters. Wallin's next steps are uncertain, but he'll need to reassess and adapt if he hopes to reclaim his standing within the heavyweight rankings.
The fight card also showcased other exciting bouts, with rising names and veterans battling fiercely. A notable upset occurred with Sofiane Khati stopping Nathan Heaney, leaving the latter contemplating the future of his boxing career. The evening was filled with action, as fans rejoiced over the return of live boxing events and celebrated the sheer unpredictability of the sport.
For Chisora, the victory breathes new life and perhaps one final push toward championship gold. His path now leads potentially toward IBF champion Daniel Dubois, scheduled for upcoming matches, which may determine Chisora’s career's fate as he hopes to reach his goal of fifty fights. The boxing community eagerly anticipates what is next for the indomitable Chisora, champion of the people and the ring.
Boxing always holds room for surprises, and Derek Chisora's stunning performance against Otto Wallin is no exception. The gritty heavyweight continues to be a fan favorite, and after this fight, many will be watching to see how long this remarkable fighter will keep stepping back inside the ring.