Derek Chisora outlasts Otto Wallin in brawl at the last dance hall
Veteran slugger namechecks Dubois, Usyk and AJ as possible final opponents
Just moments after the decision had been announced by MC Thomas Treiber, confirming Derek Chisora’s points win over Otto Wallin, the 41-year-old veteran staggered into centre ring to collect his flowers (as the Americans say) and pass on a few words of wisdom.
After swapping blows for 36 minutes or less, talking to the crowd is always a viewer discretion event. Who knows what they’ll come off with? We’ve seen Anthony Joshua, Tony Bellew and a host of others ramble incoherently while the rattled mind works to realign itself.
That leads to moments of anger, comedy, cringe or all of the above. The thousands of adoring fans Chisora has accumulated over the years, due to his warrior mentality, chanted along as Derek settled himself…
The evening had started in tears. Chisora took a little moment in front of the cameras to lean against a wall and sob as he realised the gravity of the situation. Fight number 49 was supposedly the final battle on British soil. Apparently, 50 will be his last. Take both of those “facts” with a pinch of salt. This is boxing. Money talks. You never know what’s around the corner.
Back in the Co-op Live Arena ring on Saturday evening, Chisora was faced with a man who opposed him in every sense. Sweden’s Wallin once pushed Tyson Fury surprisingly close in a 2019 effort. Fury suffered a horrific cut and was forced to dig deep to prevail. Otto has tried to dine out on that defeat ever since.
He’s a nice guy. Too nice, in fact. The 6’5” frame looks imposing, but Wallin has never bitten anyone or thrown an insult, let alone a glass or a table. He’s never spat in anyone’s face, threatened to physically shoot an opponent or even purchased a post-fight beef burger.
‘Del Boy’ has done all of those things. On this occasion, through the week and during fight night, he behaved himself. There was no fake beef; the motivation factor already built in. Get past Wallin, keep the fans happy and move on to a huge final opportunity.
Chisora has successfully sculpted his style to one that suits his age and body. 30-second bursts of activity. Prolonged moments of hanging around in the corner, right hand cocked, ready to throw, as the opponent paws warily for openings. The crowd's anticipation of this manoeuvre tells the judges that Derek is in control of the ring and winning the round.
Derek was cut in two places around the right eye. The seeping claret only added to the dramatic narrative. This is Chisora. Bleeding is what he does, you can’t stop him. Wallin hit the deck twice, although never really looked like he was ready to go.
Chisora ended the affair with a bunch of his pals in the ring pulling out photos of potential future foes. The fight was an IBF eliminator, so the “champion”, Daniel Dubois, could accommodate him in an all-UK dust-up.
Dubois needs to get past Joseph Parker first, then is chasing down a Usyk rematch. Usyk himself is unlikely to be interested in going over old ground with a man he already used as a welcome-to-the-heavyweights yardstick in 2020.
That leaves Joshua, who has already lost twice to Usyk and needs a rebuild after being crushed by the aforementioned Dubois last September. Chisora vs Joshua, in Wembley, for Derek’s final outing. What a crazy sport this is that the idea suddenly makes a lot of sense.
Heaney hanging in the balance, Rafferty a class above
Nathan Heaney’s career suffered a major setback when he was stopped in round seven by unheralded Frenchman Sofiane Khati on the Chisora-Wallin supporting portion.
Heaney’s nose was bleeding profusely, his hands dropping ever lower, ample for Khati to land shots heavier than his KO ratio would suggest. The stoppage was correct and sympathetic. Well-supported Nathan may now have to consider hanging up the gloves.
The ‘Demolition Man’ got the better of the ‘Raging Bull’ as Jack Rafferty showed why he is a fast-improving British and Commonwealth champion at 140 pounds. Opponent Reece MacMillan gave his all but the old body weaknesses came back to haunt him as the corner towel came in during round seven.
Zach Parker was expected to box Willy Hutchinson in an intriguing domestic battle. Following Hutchinson’s withdrawal due to a damaged shoulder, Parker was presented with France’s Mickael Diallo. The Derby man won but suffered a cut and kept holding on and sinking to his knees in the final round. It was a horrible watch.
In a rugged clash that included several head clashes, Zak Miller won the vacant British along with Masood Abdulah’s Commonwealth featherweight title, taking a hard-fought majority decision.
John Cooney dies one week after Ulster Hall bout
The devastating news came out on Saturday that Irish boxer John Cooney had died a week after his defeat to Nathan Howells for the Celtic title. I was ringside at this fight in the Ulster Hall and it was a harrowing evening. As John passed us on the stretcher, flanked by the excellent medical team, I feared the worst.
However, this is not about me. It’s a time for his family, fiance and wider team to grieve and reflect. Promoter Mark Dunlop works tirelessly within Belfast boxing to get opportunities for his fighters and put on quality domestic cards. I feel for Mark in this situation.
Boxing is a dangerous sport. We already know this. Young men and an increasing number of women put their lives on the line for our entertainment and a better future for themselves. Injuries and fatalities are unavoidable in such a violent arena, but they still hurt, each and every time.
Image Credits: Eurosport, Queensberry promotional material, Mark Dunlop (MHD Promotions).
About Steve…
Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.
Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com