Matchbook’s resident Boxing guru Ryan Cahill predicts a tight and turgid affair in Chisora vs Puvlev
An interesting rematch goes down between two heavyweights who have been mainstays in the division for the past decade Saturday night in London’s 02 Arena.
Dereck “War” Chisora (32-12, 23KO’s) and Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (29-2, 14KO’s) take centre stage in what is, to be frank, a rematch that no one has clamoured for.
The fight itself will not have huge ramifications on the division as even the winner would not be in contention for a title shot, but this could play out to be an extremely enjoyable watch come Saturday evening.
When trying to pick out some value here, I feel it is weighted to the fight going long.
Both fighters have shown that they are more than durable by Heavyweight standards, and neither would be considered a ferocious puncher at the weight.
Pulev has been halted in both losses, but you can forgive him for falling at the hands of former long-reigning world champions Vitali Klitschko and Anthony Joshua when stepping up in level to fight for world honours.
The Bulgarian has finished 48% of his wins inside the distance, a number that does not particularly stand out at the weight class. Furthermore, the fighters that Pulev has been able to finish have been at a much lower level than what he can expect from Chisora here.
Derek Chisora, promoter Eddie Hearn and Kubrat Pulev during a press conference at the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel, London.
In the other corner, Chisora only shows 3KO defeats in 12 losses; Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury and David Haye are the only three men to halt Del Boy before the final bell, all 3 I would consider far heavier-handed than the 41-year-old Pulev.
Chisora is limited but tough, durable and fights with his heart on his sleeve, which can take you far in heavyweight boxing.
The pair first met six years ago in Germany, where Pulev prevailed via split decision, although he won the fight clearer than a split would indicate.
I struggle to take away anything significant from their first meeting; both are different fighters now who are in the twilight of their careers.
What was noticeable with the first fight is neither was fazed by the power of the other, which provides me with plenty of optimism in thinking the fight sees the final bell.
When breaking down the method of victory prices, a Pulev decision is the favoured outcome, trading at around 2.4 at the time of writing; this feels a touch skinny to me.
Given the fight is in London, Chisora holds a distinct home advantage, and you would assume any favour with the judges.
A Chisora decision is trading at 7.6 which is a huge price here when you factor in the points mentioned above, and I certainly think that is his more likely path to victory than a KO which currently is available to back at 5.6.
Chisora has tended to start hot since adopting the “War” moniker he now associates himself with and building an early lead before slowing down as fights progress. I feel he could potentially exploit this here against an opponent like Pulev, who has been inactive in the last few years.
Ultimately, in a division where the casual viewing audience feel knockouts are expected there is often value to be had in opposing the finish and I am more than happy to do so here.
