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    Derek Chisora (left) faces off with Kubrat Pulev ahead of their heavyweight rematch

    " src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/08/16/newFile-8.jpg?quality=75&width=982&height=726&auto=webp" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/08/16/newFile-8.jpg?quality=75&width=320&auto=webp&crop=982:726,smart 320w,https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/08/16/newFile-8.jpg?quality=75&width=640&auto=webp&crop=982:726,smart 640w">

    Derek Chisora (left) faces off with Kubrat Pulev ahead of their heavyweight rematch

    (Getty Images)

    Derek Chisora will step out in front of a home crowd this evening as he takes on Kubrat Pulev at the O2 Arena in London.

    The main-event contest is a rematch of the pair’s 2016 clash, which Pulev won via split decision in Hamburg. Few believe that tonight’s encounter will to go the judges’ scorecards, however, with the aging heavyweights expected to slug it out in a must-win meeting for both men. Briton Chisora has shown resilience in recent defeats, though, entering the O2 Arena on the back of three straight decision losses. Pulev also went the distance last time out, outpointing Jerry Forrest in May to respond well to a 2020 knockout defeat by Anthony Joshua.

    The Bulgarian has expressed a desire to fight for a world title one last time, with the clock ticking for the 41-year-old. Meanwhile, Chisora has denied suggestions that he himself should retire if he is to be beaten here. The 38-year-old told The Independent this week: “Na, na. Nope. Don’t wanna think about that. Sad stories. Na. Thinking about it... If my wife leaves me today, what am I gonna do? Am I gonna find another one? For now, no.”

    Follow live updates from the main event and undercard, below.

    1657392769

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Agyarko vs Maciec – Round 4

    More successful uppercuts and hooks from Agyarko, but still Maciec comes plodding forward.

    The body shots in particular are beginning to take their toll on the Pole. Maciec tries to get back on the front foot but can only watch Agyarko circle away comfortably.

    Agyarko has Maciec against the ropes and steps off to his right rapidly. Lovely work to open up a different angle.

    1657392562

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    1657392525

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Agyarko vs Maciec – Round 3

    A one-two from Agyarko hurts Maciec, who wobbles backwards slightly.

    The Pole looks to punch his way out of the situation but is on the receiving end of uppercuts and hooks as Agyarko begins to turn the screw now.

    Agyarko sees an uppercut blocked but lunges in successfully with a left body hook.

    Maciec hops about, trying to stay light on his feet before coming forward with his head down.

    Agyarko’s combinations are getting more intricate now.

    1657392281

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Agyarko vs Maciec – Round 2

    This is Agyarko’s super-welterweight debut as a pro, with the Irishman having already picked up the WBA International title at middleweight.

    Agyarko steps forward, jabbing up top and to the body of Maciec, who responds with that right overhand that he favours; Agyarko appeared to eat a bit of that shot.

    The pair briefly clinch, with Maciec landing short hooks from the right then left as they separate.

    Agyarko applies the pressure again, squeezing an uppercut through Maciec’s guard before slinging hooks to the body of the Pole.

    1657392040

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Agyarko vs Maciec – Round 1

    Any forward movement by Maciec is being met by a jab or one-two. Now Agyarko comes forward and is forced to evade a wild overhand right from the Pole.

    Agyarko triples up on the jab then sneaks a left hook into the midriff of Maciec.

    Maciec with a jab to the torso of Agyarko. Now straight rights in the same spot.

    1657391808

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    This one is scheduled for 10 rounds and is for the vacant WBA International super-welterweight title.

    1657391668

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Next up, Irish super-welterweight Caoimhin Agyarko looks to stay unbeaten as he faces Lukasz Maciec.

    Agyarko enters the bout with a professional record of 11-0 (7 KOs).

    Maciec (28-4-1, 5 KOs) was outpointed by Anthony Fowler in this same arena in February, but the Pole has since bounced back by defeating Joel Julio.

    1657391101

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Wardley on Healey stepping in on late notice, following Kingsley Ibeh’s withdrawal: “Thank you to Chris Healey for even turning up, because a lot of peoople didn’t and left us in a sticky situation – no less than 24 hours ago.”

    When asked about his reputation for being a slow starter, Wardley says: “That’s done, that’s the old Fabio Wardley.”

    1657390889

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Fabio Wardley def. Chris Healey via second-round TKO (0:40).

    1657390801

    Chisora vs Pulev 2

    Wardley vs Healey – Round 2

    Barely a minute into the second round, Healey goes down again after a clean right uppercut and grazing right hook from Wardley!

    Although the southpaw again beats the referee’s count, the towel comes in!

    Read More


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