Eddie Hearn claims Parker is ‘back on world stage’ after win over Chisora

'A big win for Joseph Parker that puts him back on the world stage.'

Eddie Hearn has claimed that Joseph Parker is 'back on the world stage' after he beat Derek Chisora by unanimous decision in their rematch. The Kiwi - who won the first bout in May - was victorious in Manchester as he controlled the fight and came close to finishing the contest on a number of occasions, which he would've done if 'Del Boy' didn't put in an incredible performance to ensure the fight went to the judges. The scorecard had the fight 115-110, 115-111, 114-112 all in favour of Parker. Following the bout, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn suggested that Parker is now 'back on the world stage' after he suffered back-to-back losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in 2018. Parker - who left his long-term trainer and friend Kevin Barry for Andy Lee - put in a number of sub-par performances after losing his WBO title to Joshua. However, Hearn thinks that his victory on Saturday night has pushed him back into contention. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the fight, he said: "If Parker was not fit and didn't box as well as he did he would have lost that fight in the home stretch. He added: "A big win for Joseph Parker that puts him back on the world stage." https://twitter.com/DAZNBoxing/status/1472348724110233605 The 42-year-old was also keen to praise Chisora, admitting that Del Boy 'can't have many more fights' like the one against Parker.

"Derek Chisora, you can't have too many fights like that, that is the reality but he got out of the ring and said to me: "'Did you enjoy that?' It is what he does, he is a prize fighter and loves to entertain the crowd," said Hearn.

"I cannot believe that went 12 rounds. After getting hurt in the third, down in the six or seventh and ninth, but he kept on coming.

The promoter also said: "Chisora is a nightmare. If you are not a top heavyweight you will get beat by Chisora.

"He is a handful. A brilliant heavyweight fighter.

"He is a tremendous credit to the sport."

Many people have called for Chisora to retire from boxing, but the 37-year-old - who has recorded 44 fights in his career - will likely return in 2022.