Finchley heavyweight boxer Dereck Chisora lost an epic encounter against Dillian Whyte on a split decision in Manchester.

The bout was downgraded from a British heavyweight title fight after Chisora threw a table at Wednesday's press conference. But there was no let up in the drama after a pulsating contest.

Chisora enjoyed a strong third round and had the edge with a series of punishing shots.

A pulsating fifth round saw Chisora threaten a stoppage as he had his opponent on the ropes. But Whyte responded superbly and retaliated to put Chisora in trouble.

The Finchley boxer ramped up the pressure again in the seventh round with a series of blows which had Whyte in trouble. 

The eighth round was another absolute classic as Chisora produced some huge shots but Whyte somehow stayed on his feet.

But Whyte responded in the ninth and had the edge with his older rival noticeably tiring. 

The pair continued to trade heavy blows in the tenth round but Whyte appeared to be the fresher of the two fighters. 

The 11th round was another close contest but Whyte's increased work rate and cleaner punches were enough to give him the edge. 

It was a brutal finale with both boxers fighting on empty and they were deservedly given a standing ovation after the final bell.

But Chisora came up agonisingly short after losing a split decision in a classic contest.