Joseph Parker retained his WBO World Heavyweight title on Saturday morning.
The New Zealander, who was defending his title for the first time, defeated Romania's Razvan Cojanu by unanimous decision. Parker won comfortably with the three judges giving him a 119-108, 117-110, 117-110 win.
Unbeaten in his first 22 fights, with 18 of those coming by knockout. Parker struggled to impress against Cojanu despite the Romanian's late call-up to the fight. Hughie Fury (cousin of Tyson) was due to fight the Auckland native, before pulling out with injury.
Recognised as one of three World Heavyweight Champions alongside Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, Parker remains the least known of the current champions. In his 23 fights, Parker has only fought twice in the Northern Hemisphere, but not since 2014. The majority of his fights have come in New Zealand on front of his home fans.
Despite the win, Parker's inability to win by knockout, has added to those questioning if he belongs in the pantheon modern-day elite heavyweight fighters. Tony Bellew, who has only fought once professionally as a heavyweight, called out the New Zealander after the fight.
All I'm reading is you wanna see me Vs @joeboxerparker . I sign for this and his reign is over real quick, how much you want it? @EddieHearn
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) May 6, 2017
Parker is eager to fight in Europe, with the win over Cojanu being his swansong in New Zealand. Hughie Fury remains the mandatory challenger, but Bellew and Wilder are both eager for the fight.
The unbeaten Wilder is determined to unify the heavyweight division, with Parker and Joshua in his sights.
Despite the win in Auckland, Parker's win will not worry either Joshua or Wilder ahead of any potential unification fights.
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