Parker should be able to beat Chisora, who has always been a fringe contender and has multiple losses. But Parker hasn't improved during the past few years, in fact he actually appears to be in decline, despite not yet being old.
The Parker who fought Fa will lose to Chisora. Parker didn't show enough power or (more importantly) preciseness in that fight to deter Chisora, who has a bigger motor early and can land his shots. Based on their last two fights I'd say Chisrora winning the first 4/5/6 rounds and then be defending that lead in the back half. The variable is Parker actually landing his shots. If he can hit the target more often than he has in recent years then he can cruise to a decision here. This is the regression in Parker, as his opponents have improved his punch accuracy has plummeted. You can't really judge his power as he seldom lands flush.
I will go against the grain and take Chisora by decision. In all liklihood, Parker will do just enough to win a dull decision, but sometimes you smell the upset. Chisora has been training harder than ever and fighting with determination, whereas Parker has been coasting. I just have a feeling Chisora is going to steal some rounds.
If it was 8 rounds I'd favor Chisora, but I'm not sure he has 7 winning rounds against good opposition in him.
At some point, the constant wars will have to catch up on Chisora. Also, if he loses this one, where does he go? Surely thats time up?
Wow, reading how many are picking Del Boy for this, Parker must really have sucked against Fa... Parker is a frustrating boxer, when I'm watching him I always get the feeling he should be so much better than he turns out to be. I think he's someone who would benefit from a more aggressive minded coach. He has the raw material, he has a little bit of time left to make it at the top level, all the pieces are there. Except, maybe, the temperament and mentality?
Wasn't he working with Charles Martin when he fought the likes of Michael Marrone and Daniel Martz? If so, that's pedigree... I know Lee trained under Steward and I know there's a "Fury referral" - but I don't see this as providing the missing ingredient for a Parker resurgence. For some reason, Parker seems to have lost considerable handspeed in the past two years. I still give JP the edge over Chisora - but I think he needs to stop Chisora to make a statement that he's still a factor.
That's a good observation. Chisora did not get embarrassed by Usyk and it's hard to find a fighter who can step up his work rate in the larger divisions more than Usyk can. Chisora can still slug, too. JP has produced some boring fights. It's hard to believe how much more stacked the HW division is than it was, say, six years ago. JP could get left behind unless he makes a statement. I think he needs to take some risks and dispose of Chisora early. If he wins a UD - he's probably resigned to fighting guys like Willis Meehan or Dempsey McKean or Lucas Browne to wind down his career. If he gets slugged out by Chisora - well, he can always finish out his career fighting guys like Willis Meehan or Dempsey McKean or Lucas Browne.
Good points. I agree No more excuses for poor or average performances We need to see something impressive from Parker here. Let's hope he delivers.
Parker was champion. He beat Ruiz, and even if you think he didn't deserve to win, it was a close enough fight. Parker only lost to Joshua and Whyte, and he was close to beating Whyte. Parker has proven he's basically around the level of Whyte and Ruiz. He just needed some laid back time to get himself sorted out, and I think with the right trainer he can be just as much of a threat as Whyte and maybe Ruiz. He has boxing ability.
