Joseph Parker's return to the winner's circle has been met with applause from the boxing world, after the Kiwi heavyweight defeated Mexican‑American Alexander Flores in Christchurch last night.
Having lost to both Anthony Joshua in April and Dillian Whyte in July, 26‑year old Parker was facing the prospect of fading into boxing obscurity, with another loss all but likely to be the final nail in his career's coffin.
However, the former WBO champion responded in style, defeating Flores with a third round knockout to re‑affirm his place as one of world boxing's heavyweight contenders.
American site BoxingScene were also impressed by Parker's efforts, stating that the Kiwis 2018 defeats were now well and truly behind him.
In an undercard fight last night, former Warriors winger, Manu Vatuvei needed less than 30 seconds to knockout boxer, Dave Letele.
Vatuvei, literally came out swinging in his first stint in the ring since a 2012 charity bout against Olympic rower Eric Murray, with Letele unable to match his ferocity.
Vatuvei is yet to confirm his intentions to fight on as a professional, currently without a club in rugby league, having left UK Super League side Salford Red Devils earlier this year.
Fijian boxing sensation, Sebastian Singh lost by technical knockout against New Zealand’s number 1, Bowyn Morgan in the Welterweight contest last night.
[Source: TVNZ]
