British heavyweight Derek Chsiroa has demanded a non-British Boxing Board of Control referee and judges for his rematch with Kiwi Joseph Parker, after being "robbed" of what he believes was a clear-cut victory in their first bout earlier this year.
In Manchester overnight, Parker and Chisora came face-to-face at a press conference for the first time since that bout, as their December 19 (NZ time) clash - which will also be held in Manchester - was officially announced.
Chisora fell to a split decision loss that day and still wears the frustrations of that day in May, when Parker emerged on the right side of a contentious split decision.
That loss was the latest in what Chisora says is a trend of poor judging and refereeing against his favour and is determined to avoid a similar fate in his second go-around against the South Aucklander.
"I'm half excited and half not, to be honest with you," Chisora said. "Yes, I'm happy for the fight but I might be disappointed with what comes with the fight, to be honest with you.
"I'm going to speak with my management team 258, make sure we get an American referee and we get good judges for this fight because so many times I've been robbed.
The former WBO champion was dropped to the canvas early in the opening exchanges of their first bout but rallied strongly through the middle rounds, before Chisora dragged him back into a slugfest in the closing stages of the contest.
"I've been robbed in Helsinki (against Robert Helenius), I was robbed in the first one here in Manchester with Dillian (Whyte) — that’s your card as well.
"100 percent I stand by I won that fight (with Parker). I was the more pressure fighter, I was making the fight happening. All he wanted to do was hold, that whole Kronk style, holding and resting on you.
"That's what they do, which is good for them, but all I’m saying is if I have to pay somebody, if I have to pay one of the judges or anything, please let me know what account I have to send the money to."
The 37-year-old, who confessed he's yet to watch the fight back, then turned his attention to Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn at the top of the table to address his requirements directly.
"I'm going to say this honest, publicly to the press, that I need you Eddie [Hearn] to get a good referee, an American referee - not a British Board of Control referee because those guys in the past have stuffed me and they've messed me around. If [BBBOC general secretary] Robert Smith is listening, I do not want your referee to ref for me for this fight.
"And I need (Hearn) to get good refs and good judges for this fight, because I know for a fact that come [19th] of December, we're going to have a war.
"Joseph Parker doesn't scare me, he hasn't got anything which I am scared of. He hasn't got power punches - I don't even know how they gave him the last fight to be honest with you. I'm just disappointed that they gave it to him."
In response, Parker - preparing for the first rematch of his 31-fight profesisonal career - dismissed Chisora's complaints regarding their first contest and remains adamant his declaration as victor was justified.
"I did watch the fight back and I thought I won, so I'm not sure, he thought he won too so that’s why we're here again," said Parker.
"We didn't have the longest camp last time but we’ve had a longer camp this time so there are no excuses."
Parker has been based in the English boxing stronghold of Morecambe since April, where he's been working alongside new trainer Andy Lee.
The 29-year-old is eager to show off the improvements he's made and justify the sacrifice he's made in being separated from his young family, insisting he knows exactly what to expect against a fired-up Chisora.
"Derek is one tough guy. He comes forward and puts on the pressure. Like he said, bite the gumshield and throw the kitchen sink, that’s exactly what he did and what he's going to do for the next fight.
"I feel like this fight is going to be different. I've had a lot more time to work on things that Andy has suggested I work on and now that I'm here with him in camp my confidence is growing every day seeing the improvements.
"We have to make these sacrifices as fighters, I know a lot of fighters that make sacrifices, I'm away from my wife and family, my parents. I feel like it's my time to make it count."
Also featuring on the card will be fellow Kiwi David Nyika, who'll fight his first professional bout since his bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics in July. He'll take on undefeated Mancunian Jordan Thompson, who boasts nine knockouts in his 11 career wins to date.
Nyika has been training alongside Parker in Morecambe and says he's primed to make a statement on the big stage, after making significant strides under Lee.
"I'm in the heart of professional boxing here so this is a massive opportunity for me," Nyika states. "I'm looking to put myself on notice in the cruiserweight division.
"I think there’s a lot more to professional boxing than I initially though. I feel like I’m rebuilding Rome starting to work with Andy Lee.
"I'm in great company with the likes of Joseph Parker, the Fury’s are in camp, I'm a sponge right now and this is a great opportunity for me to grow, learn and develop as a boxer and also, as a person."
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