Magnificent Seven: Derek Chisora steps closer to the world stage with TKO of Sam Sexton

Derek Chisora put on his best overall performance to date in his pro career, stopping Sam Sexton in the ninth round of their rematch. With the win, Chisora adds the Commonwealth heavyweight title to his British strap.

Chisora (14-0, 9 KO) was far more active than Sexton (13-2, 6 KO) throughout the bout, and just landed harder, cleaner shots. Sexton really laid back in the early rounds, perhaps hoping to tire Chisora. But Chisora got a second wind in the middle rounds, and in the ninth, his body work added up, allowing Chisora to go for the kill, which he did in a major way. The stoppage was the result of a huge flurry of right hands, overwhelming Sexton, whose two losses are both to Chisora.

Still, Sexton showed some promise. He was sturdy, he looked to be in good shape, and he's still improving as a fighter. His downfall was simply that Chisora didn't tire out as much as Sexton seemed to expect he might. Chisora was just the better man, and is simply further along in his career.

The win puts Chisora a bit closer to stepping up to the world class level. I think he made his statement today that he's clearly the second-best heavyweight in the UK, behind only David Haye.

Our live coverage of the Magnificent Seven continues here, with the Enzo Maccarinelli-Alexander Frenkel fight for the European cruiserweight title.