Fight results

The upcoming clash between Derek Chisora and Otto Wallin offers two key narratives. The first is that Chisora’s fights are never boring, especially in recent years. The second is that stylistically, Wallin is not the ideal opponent for Chisora.

Chisora’s style is rooted in his power and relentless pressure. He looks to overwhelm opponents with heavy shots and constant activity, trying to dominate even the smallest exchanges.

Wallin, at his best, is a tricky stylistic challenge. He is cautious, mobile, possesses good size and reach, and fights as a southpaw. Even Chisora acknowledged this, admitting that Jarrell Miller would have been a more favorable matchup, but Miller was unable to take part in the fight.

At 41, Chisora is a true veteran of the sport, embarking on what is likely his final tour before retirement. In contrast, the 34-year-old Wallin is a relatively youthful fighter with plenty of time ahead.

Chisora’s experience is undeniable—he has been competing at the highest level since Vitali Klitschko’s championship reign. Wallin, too, has had his share of notable fights, including a hard-fought contest against Tyson Fury, where he caused significant problems for the Briton, and a quick knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. Wallin also outboxed Murat Gassiev in a more recent outing.

Chisora doesn’t throw a high volume of punches, as his strategy revolves around getting to mid-range or close distance and landing heavy shots. His activity has declined recently, but he still averages around 250-300 punches per fight with solid accuracy (approximately 33%).

Wallin, in contrast, throws roughly twice as many punches. His style emphasizes quantity over single, heavy shots. He uses volume to disrupt opponents and maintain control. However, his accuracy has been less impressive recently, landing only about 20% of his punches.

Fight Activity

Over the past two years, Chisora has fought once per year. This year, he aims to match his 2022 activity level with two fights, provided this one ends favorably.

Wallin, on the other hand, fought three times in 2023 but took a longer break after being knocked out by Joshua. In 2024, he has had only one fight, against a mid-tier opponent.

Over the past two years, Chisora has fought once per year. This year, he aims to match his 2022 activity level with two fights, provided this one ends favorably.

Wallin, on the other hand, fought three times in 2023 but took a longer break after being knocked out by Joshua. In 2024, he has had only one fight, against a mid-tier opponent.

Chisora’s punches carry weight—he commits fully to every shot. While he’s not a knockout artist, his heavy blows can wear opponents down. Wallin cannot afford to underestimate this power, even though he himself is not a big puncher. His style isn’t designed for knockouts, and outside of a recent win against a lower-tier opponent, Wallin’s last stoppage victory was in 2020.

Chisora, however, dropped Joe Joyce—once considered one of the most durable fighters in the division—in his previous fight, proving that his power is still dangerous.

Both fighters are durable but vulnerable. Wallin was dramatically stopped by Joshua, while Chisora has four stoppage losses and has endured hundreds of clean punches throughout his career.

Whether either has enough power to end this fight early remains a question worth pondering.

This will be Chisora’s seventh fight in Manchester, where he plans to bid farewell to the city, just as he did with London’s O2 Arena in his previous fight. This adds an emotional and motivational edge for the Briton.

Wallin will face not only Chisora but also a packed arena of British fans who will be fervently supporting their compatriot. The songs, the cheers, and the energy of the crowd will all favor Derek.

For Wallin, this fight represents a significant opportunity. Since his loss to Joshua, he hasn’t faced high-profile opponents. While a victory over Chisora won’t lead directly to a title shot, it could help him regain credibility after that devastating defeat.

Chisora understands the challenge ahead—facing a younger, more mobile, and long-limbed opponent. However, leaving Manchester with a victory is a powerful motivator. Many doubted his ability to defeat Joyce and bid farewell to the O2 with a win, but he proved them wrong.