In an emotionally charged heavyweight clash billed as “The Last Dance,” Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) outworked and outslugged Otto Wallin (27-3, 15 KOs) over 12 rounds, earning a unanimous decision victory (117-109, 114-112, 116-110) in front of a raucous Manchester crowd at the Co-op Live Arena. The IBF-sanctioned eliminator headlined a Queensberry Promotions card on February 8, 2025, broadcast live on BT Sports. At 41 years old, Chisora defied expectations—and a gruesome cut—to position himself for a potential world title shot against the winner of Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker (February 22) in his 50th and final fight.
Fight Recap
Round-by-Round Highlights
- Rounds 1–4: Chisora set the tempo with relentless pressure, swinging wild hooks to Wallin’s body and head. Wallin, fighting southpaw, relied on counters but struggled to match Chisora’s output. A looping right from Chisora in Round 3 forced Wallin to retreat.
- Round 5: A clash of heads opened a deep cut under Chisora’s right eye. Despite blood obscuring his vision, he passed a doctor’s inspection in Round 6 and continued pressing forward.
- Round 8: Chisora unleashed a 30-punch barrage, trapping Wallin on the ropes. The Swede survived but appeared visibly shaken.
- Round 9: A wild overhand right sent Wallin stumbling to the canvas. He beat the count but lacked urgency in response.
- Round 12: Chisora sealed his victory with a final knockdown seconds before the bell, flooring Wallin with another looping right.
Derek Chisora
- Strengths: Relentless aggression, bodywork, and veteran adaptability. Despite cuts and fatigue, he dictated the pace and capitalized on Wallin’s passivity.
- Weaknesses: Wild swings left him open to counters, and his stamina waned in later rounds.
- Style Impact: Neutralized Wallin’s reach advantage by smothering him in close quarters, turning the fight into a brawl.
Otto Wallin
- Strengths: Technical guard and occasional sharp counters (e.g., a left uppercut in Round 4).
- Weaknesses: Chronic inactivity (averaged <10 punches per round) and failure to exploit Chisora’s compromised vision.
- Style Impact: His defensive, counter-heavy approach backfired against Chisora’s mauling pressure.
Pre-Fight vs. Reality
Analysts expected Wallin’s youth and technical edge to prevail, but Chisora’s unyielding pressure and Wallin’s timidity flipped the script.
Key Takeaways
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Career Implications:
- Chisora revitalizes his career, positioning himself for a final title shot or high-profile farewell bout (e.g., Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk).
- Wallin’s stock plummets; once a fringe contender, he now risks becoming a gatekeeper.
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Fan/Analyst Reactions:
- Praise for Chisora’s heart and determination, with critics questioning Wallin’s mentality.
- Social media buzzed over Chisora’s post-fight callout: “Let the fans choose my last opponent!”.
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Controversies:
- Wide scorecard variance (114-112 vs. 117-109) sparked debates, though all agreed on Chisora’s dominance.
- Wallin’s corner faced scrutiny for not urging higher activity.
Official Result
- Winner: Derek Chisora via Unanimous Decision (117-109, 114-112, 116-110).
- Post-Fight Quotes:
- Chisora: “I cried like a baby because I love this sport… Legacy isn’t made by me—it’s made by the fans”.
- Promoter Frank Warren: “Whatever he wants, we’ll make it happen. He’s earned that eliminator”.
Conclusion
Chisora’s victory was a gritty, crowd-pleasing spectacle that underscored his enduring appeal. While not a technical masterpiece, the fight delivered drama and a fitting UK farewell for the veteran. For Wallin, it’s a career crossroads; for Chisora, a final shot at glory looms. The boxing world now awaits his 50th—and final—dance.
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