Chisora And Pulev Rematch At The O2 In London On July 9

By Matchroom Boxing - 07/07/2022 - Comments

Derek Chisora and Kubrat Pulev will meet for a second time at The O2 in London on Saturday July 9, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia, New Zealand and France), over six years on from their 12-round battle for the European Heavyweight Title at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

It was Bulgarian star Pulev (29-2, 14 KOs) who came out on top on that occasion, winning a tough split decision that saw him progress in their IBF World Title Eliminator and claim the vacant European crown for the second time in his career.

British favourite Chisora (32-12, 23 KOs) has since faced some of the biggest names in the Heavyweight division, including WBC World Title challenger Dillian Whyte twice, WBA and IBF World Title challenger Carlos Takam, unified Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk and most recently two slugfests with former WBO Champion Joseph Parker.

Two-time World Title challenger Pulev, who’s only losses came against modern legend Wladimir Klitscho in 2014 and former unified king Anthony Joshua in 2020, dominated Jerry Forrest to win a unanimous decision on the Sergey Kovalev vs. Tervel Pulev undercard at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California last month.

“I’m delighted to get this fight over the line,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Initially we worked on some other opponents for Derek, but this fight came out of nowhere a few days ago and I absolutely love it! I think the strapline, ‘Total Carnage’, is absolutely perfect for this fight, in terms of the build-up and in terms of the fight itself. Expect the unexpected but expect a thriller at The O2 on July 9. Both men have been longstanding fixtures of the World Heavyweight division and it’s all or nothing at The O2 for both, as defeat could lead to the end of the road. Fans can expect a huge undercard and a brilliant main event for another brilliant event live on DAZN.”

“This rematch between two of the Heavyweight division’s most exciting fighters is sure to be a sensational showdown that takes over The O2,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “We look forward to broadcasting this event to fans around the world as part of a stacked and still growing slate of can’t-miss fight nights all summer long on DAZN.”

Tickets for Chisora vs. Pulev are priced £40, £80, £100, £200 and £400 (VIP)

Presale tickets will be available to purchase for O2 Priority Members from midday on Tuesday June 7 via The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk)

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Wednesday June 8. Priority ticket info has been emailed directly to eligible members.

MADRIMOV AND SORO RUN IT BACK AT THE O2

Super-Welterweights rematch following controversial first fight
Israil Madrimov and Michel Soro will rematch in a Final Eliminator for the WBA Super-Welterweight World Title on the undercard of the huge Heavyweight clash between Derek Chisora and Kubrat Pulev at The O2 in London on Saturday July 9, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia, New Zealand and France).

Madrimov (8-0, 6 KOs), the No.1 ranked Super-Welterweight with the WBA, beat Soro in controversial fashion in their first meeting at the Renaissance Hall in Tashkent, Uzbekistan last December – resulting in the WBA ordering an immediate rematch.

‘The Dream’ hurt France’s Soro (35-3-1, 24 KOs) late in the ninth round, and it appeared Soro would hang tough when the bell went. However, referee Salvador Salva didn’t hear the bell and Madrimov landed a barrage of punches after the bell, and the Spanish official stopped the contest.

It was initially unclear what would happen as both teams implored their fighters to stay in the ring. After several minutes of deliberation officials gave Madrimov the victory. Team Soro were visibly upset, but now have the chance for revenge next month.

“I am looking forward to this fight again,” said Madrimov. “After the first fight I told my team right away, if the way the fight ended requires a rematch, I am willing to do it. I do not want any unanswered questions left. Let the best man win this time honorably and decisively. We are having a good camp and will be ready for July 9.”

“Madrimov is a great fighter and an exemplary sportsman, a very respectful man,” said Soro. “This fight is crucial for each of us, we are going to war. I will be much stronger than in the first fight, I have no right to defeat, I will give everything and I will win.”

Tickets for Chisora vs. Pulev are priced £40, £80, £100, £200 and £400 (VIP)

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front (primary.stagefront.com) from midday on Thursday June 9.