Chisora and Pulev first fought in 2016, for the vacant European title at the Barclaycard Arena. Pulev won by a controversial split decision with scores of 116–112, 118–110 in his favour, and 115–113 in favour of Chisora.[1]
Following unsuccessful negotiations with Adam Kownacki, it was announced on 7 June 2022 that Chisora would rematch Pulev on 9 July at The O2 Arena in London. The bout was scheduled to be held on DAZN.[8][9]
In the build-up, Chisora and Pulev were separated at the final press conference following a heated face-off.[10] Chisora showed his support to outgoing Prime MinisterBoris Johnson by wearing a mask of Johnson's face during the weigh-in.[11]
The fight
From the opening bell, Chisora employed a pressure-oriented strategy, advancing with pronounced head movement to evade Pulev's jab and reduce the distance. Pulev aimed to establish control from range, but Chisora's persistent forward movement disrupted his rhythm. In the second round, Chisora landed multiple hooks to the body, prompting Pulev to initiate clinches. Referee Marcus McDonnell issued early warnings for excessive holding, consistent with patterns observed in their previous encounter. In round three, Chisora connected with a looping right hand that drove Pulev onto the ropes. Pulev responded with straight punches and a firm jab, though he struggled to maintain distance as Chisora continued to press inside. In the middle rounds, Pulev began to find success with short uppercuts and compact combinations during close-range exchanges. Chisora maintained his focus on body shots, frequently throwing in bursts while in the clinch. In round five, Pulev sustained a cut above his left eye following a right hand from Chisora. The sixth round saw Pulev land a clean left hook that briefly halted Chisora's momentum, though Chisora responded with an overhand right that drew audible reaction from the crowd. Round seven featured sustained exchanges, with both fighters trading hooks and engaging in repeated clinches. Chisora's work rate remained high, although signs of fatigue began to emerge. Pulev capitalised with well-timed counters, including a sharp one-two combination in round eight that visibly affected Chisora. In the later rounds, both fighters demonstrated urgency. In round nine, Chisora landed a left hook that appeared to stagger Pulev. The Bulgarian responded with straight right hands and jabs in an effort to reassert control. Pulev sustained a second cut, this time above his right eye, during round ten, which was characterised by continuous exchanges at close range. In round eleven, Chisora landed another right hand that forced Pulev to retreat. The twelfth and final round saw both boxers engage in sustained exchanges at the centre of the ring. Chisora's consistent output and forward pressure appeared to edge the final moments. Chisora won by a split decision with scores of 116–112, 116–114 in his favour, and 116–112 in favour of Pulev.[12]Compubox showed that Pulev landed 155 of his 511 punches thrown (30%) and Chisora landed 93 of his 335 thrown (28%). Chisora and Pulev equalled on power punches, both landing 133.[13]
Aftermath
Following Chisora's win, in the post-fight interview, Chisora said "It was hard. You know, Pulev is a great fighter. Very difficult, very hard." and "I'm happy today, at the same time I'm sad. You know, I don't have many left in me, but what I have, I'm going to give it all to you guys". Chisora also expressed interest in a match with Deontay Wilder.[14]
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