Derek Chisora Drops Joe Joyce, Earns Upset Victory In London

Perennial bridesmaid Derek Chisora finally landed on the right side of a decision.

The former title challenger upset Joe Joyce via 10-round unanimous decision in an action-filled bout between faded heavyweights. Chisora prevailed by scores of 97-92, 96-94 and 96-94 in their TNT Sports/ESPN+ main event Saturday at London’s The O2.

Joyce (16-3, 15 KOs), rated at No. 8 by The Ring at heavyweight, entered the ring first before Chisora came out to a hero’s welcome.

Joyce, 38, marched forward in typical fashion and landed a nice left hand to get Chisora’s respect. In the second round, Chisora landed a home for a right hand that bounces off Joyce’s chin, several other shots thud home but the Juggernaut showed no ill effects.

The younger man hit Chisora with a right and to get his attention. However, the popular Brit responds with a big left hand of his own. The to exchange punches and Chisora notably connects with a clipping left hand.

Joyce started the fifth round quickly and pinned the visibly tiring Chisora on the ropes. It appears that Chisora may wilt under the pressure but as is custom for him he fires back. At the conclusion of the round the two exchange punches much to the delight of the crowd.

Joyce, who entered the contest having only lost to Zhilei Zhang (TKO 6/ KO 3) last year before returning against Kash Ali (KO 10) in March, must have felt things starting to get away from him and had Chisora covering up on the ropes. Not for the first time Chisora lands a big right than smashed into the face of Joyce. With no visible sign of being hurt Joyce work rate helped him take the round.

Meanwhile, Chisora, whose right eye showed signed of swelling, refuses to go down despite looking fatigued and just as it looks like he may be overwhelmed lands a big shot of his own.

The pattern is set, Joyce work rate against Chisora’s accuracy and more eye catching single shots.

The pressure looks like it may finally tell and the weary Chisora was hurt and fighting on instinct some how catches Joyce coming forward and drops him on his back. Joyce quickly got up from the flash knockdown and looks the fresher fighter charged back and had Chisora stumbling on unsteady fight in a remarkable turn of events.

Both men were rightly cheered at the end as they embrace and embrace.

Joyce threw more punches and landed more punches than Chisora but wasn’t as accurate. Joyce threw 887 punches and landed 332, while Chisora’s output was 610 and he connected with 301.

Congratulations @DerekWarChisora. He wins by a points decision #JoyceChisora | NOW | Live on @boxingontnt pic.twitter.com/rPFhshNssM

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) July 27, 2024

“I haven’t boxed for a year, so things were off a bit, I had to dig deep,” said Chisora. “Joe’s a good fighter, I knew I was going to drop him.
“I want to thank Frank Warren, who kept faith in me. It’s not my last fight, I’ve got two more. Now I go to Manchester in December.”

Joyce despite the loss appeared to appreciate his rivals effort.

“I enjoyed the fight, I thought it was close,” said Joyce. “That was a brilliant performance he gave. I was happy to share a ring with him. I don’t know if I’m done yet. I’m still pretty fresh.”

While Chisora can continue his farewell tour, it remains to be seen just what and where Joyce, who’s career has taken a significant downturn after the two Zhang defeats goes.

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him on 

Twitter@AnsonWainwright

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