Dillian Whyte has successfully defended his British heavyweight title courtesy of a split decision victory over fierce rival Dereck Chisora in Manchester this evening.

Despite the pre-fight animosity, the bout itself was a cleanly-fought and even contest that captured the imagination of the Manchester Arena as it went all the way.

The contest really sparked into life in the fifth round when Chisora went on the attack and had Whyte pinned against the ropes, but Whyte survived the onslaught and ended the round on top.

Chisora's efforts in that round appeared to have taken the steam of out him, and Whyte enjoyed the better of the sixth round without being able to find the knockout punch.

The London rivals continued to stand toe to toe in the seventh as they traded blows, with both Chisora and Whyte landing heavy shots.

Chisora once again had Whyte in trouble in the eighth round without being able to finish him off, and the champion fought back in the ninth as the thrilling contest continued to swing one way and another.

There was nothing to separate the two fighters heading into the closing rounds and both went all out for a knockout blow, but neither quite had the energy to capitalise on opportunities when their opponents were hurt.

Both appeared to put their differences aside with a touch of gloves prior to the final round in recognition of their epic encounter, and the 12th was fittingly action-packed as Chisora slipped while both men once again landed heavy shots.

Ultimately, the contest went down to the judges, and Whyte was given the narrowest of victories by split decision to move to 20-1, leaving Chisora on 26-7.