Derek Chisora will face Joseph Parker, whilst Katie Taylor defends her Lightweight world titles against Natasha Jonas on a May 1 blockbuster, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN globally.
Chisora and former world champion, Parker, 29, were set to clash in October 2019, before a spider bite ruled out the New Zealander and the pair will finally settle their grudge on a card which also features WBA Light Heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol against Craig Richards and the return of Chris Eubank Jr against Marcus Morrison.
Former world title challenger, Chisora, 37, is coming off a unanimous decision defeat to Oleksandr Uysk in October, whilst Parker saw off Junior Fa in Auckland last month.
“We’ve been here before, in 2019 I flew to Vegas to film the ‘Face To Face’ with Parker, I called Haye as soon as I left and told him, ‘This guy isn’t going to get in the ring with me’, I could see the fear in his eyes,” said Chisora.
“Now, second time around I hope he fights, I’m looking forward to the fight, I cannot wait to get back in the ring! I love fighting, it is what I love the most. Good luck to Joseph Parker and his new team, we shall see you for WAR on May 1st!”
“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career with a new coach and some fresh ideas,” said Parker.
I’m going to take him to the deep end. WAR and pain #warchisora pic.twitter.com/X5Ys9IVgrB
— Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) March 19, 2021
“I’ve settled in and Andy [Lee] and I are bonding well. Chisora and I have unfinished business and inside the ring one of us will get the job done.
“I am well aware that a win on British soil and on world-wide television will put me in pole position whereas a loss will be catastrophic. I am more than up for the challenge. Bring it on Del Boy.”
Taylor defends titles against former rival Jonas
Taylor and Jonas are set to renew their amateur rivalry, with the undisputed Lightweight crown at stake.
The Irish great beat ‘Miss GB’ in the 2012 Olympics and Jonas receives her second world title shot, after just falling short in a draw with WBC and IBO Super Featherweight champion, Terri Harper in last August’s Matchroom Fight Camp series.
Finally! 😅💖👊🏽 https://t.co/dBITKroBSY
— Natasha Jonas (@TashaJonas) March 19, 2021
“Natasha proved in her last fight that she is still performing at the highest level so it’s a great challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Taylor. “It’s a fight that people have been asking for and those are the type of fights you want to be part of.
“People still talk about our fight in the 2012 Olympics and I think that proved to be a real eye opener for people in terms of what women’s boxing is all about. I’m expecting another tough fight on May 1st and I’m looking forward to successfully defending my Titles.”
“I’m really excited about getting the fight, I made a lot of noise about not wanting to go down in level or class after establishing myself on the world stage in my last fight,” said Jonas.
“I know Katie is a different type of animal to Terri Harper, but I believe every time I’m asked to step up, I do. I said I wanted to be a champion and anybody at 130 to 140 was in my sights, I know I’m a world class boxer and I can win a World Title.
“From the minute Eddie signed me this fight has been on the cards. Me and Katie had a great story from the Olympics, and we have both been pioneers in our own way. I’m glad that it’s happening and it’s a great fight for women’s boxing and for British and Irish boxing.”
Bivol and Richards clash
Dmitry Bivol will defend his WBA ‘Super’ Light Heavyweight title against Craig Richards on the undercard.
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Richards, who claimed the British title with a stoppage win over Shakan Pitters steps-up to face the undefeated Russian, who makes the seconds defence of his ‘Super’ crown, after a period as WBA ‘Regular’ champion.
Eubank Jr meet Morrison
Chris Eubank Jr makes his long-awaited return against Joe Gallagher-trained Marcus Morrison.
Back in Action – May 1st #NEXTGEN pic.twitter.com/g1QZ7cb0LX
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) March 19, 2021
Eubank Jr, who signed with Sauerland Promotions in January fights for the first time since a third round victory over Matt Korobov in December 2019 and is the number one ranked contender with the WBA, whilst Morrison who hasn’t fought since January 2020 is unbeaten in his last seven outings.
This is one of the strongest shows we’ve promoted and there is still even more to come,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
“Chisora vs. Parker is a brilliant style match up that has been brewing for years and Taylor vs. Jonas is one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing.
“The Eubanks are always box office and it’s a massive chance for Marcus Morrison after his brilliant win in Italy. Craig Richards goes for World Title glory against the brilliant Russian Dmitry Bivol and there are further announcements to follow. Buckle up and enjoy this one!”
This is @DerekWarChisora‘s time 👊🏾🔥#ChisoraParker 01.05.21 pic.twitter.com/qN2YJDSqM1
— David Haye (@davidhaye) March 19, 2021
“WAR Chisora realises this is a massive opportunity to gate-crash the Heavyweight division,” said David Haye of Hayemaker Promotions.
“He has come close, in his last battle against unified Cruiserweight World Champion and No.1 ranked Heavyweight Usyk, two of the judges’ score cards had it 7 rounds to 5 – winning just one more round would have captured a draw and Derek would have retained his WBO International Title that night.
“Since, he has been working, living the life of a professional. Derek doesn’t simply want to beat Joseph Parker, he wants to make a statement to the world. This is his time.”
