RANKING high on the list of rematches no boxing fan needs or wants to see in 2021 is the seemingly inevitable rematch between heavyweights Joseph Parker and Dereck Chisora. But, whether in demand or not, there are more than enough reasons why it should and probably will go ahead before the end of the year.
In fact, according to Parker’s promoter David Higgins, that is exactly the plan.
“My understanding is that it’s to have a rematch with Dereck Chisora in the United Kingdom, probably at the end of the year,” Higgins told Newshub. “If he beats Chisora, and then maybe one or two wins, then 100 percent, there’s another title shot. If it is acceptable terms, then Joseph would potentially go to the UK and take the fight. There was a sense that it was a good, close fight, probably worthy of a rematch. Whether it happens or not is down to what the terms are.”
The first fight between Parker, 29-2 (21), and Chisora, 32-11 (23), which took place in May, was not necessarily a bad one, but, equally, nor was it good or close enough to warrant it being repeated again at a later date. It featured some decent two-way action at times, as well as some interesting shifts in momentum, yet needed considerably more than what it offered for it to both justify the fact it was happening in the first place (on pay-per-view in the UK no less) and justify the two heavyweights having to do it all over again.
That said, there is an argument to be made, too, that due to the course the fight took – competitive enough, little between them – both Parker and Chisora came away from the experience well aware of their limitations and their ceiling. A reality check of sorts, perhaps both now accept that the quickest and safest way to make money as a heavyweight in 2021 is to stick together, ignore the temptation to take greater risks, and find comfort in each other’s arms.