Joseph Parker’s resurgence in heavyweight boxing took a significant leap forward with a hard-fought majority decision victory over Zhilei Zhang in Saudi Arabia. The win not only earned Parker the WBO interim world heavyweight championship but also positioned him one step closer to vying for the coveted title.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, Parker’s journey back to the summit requires him to overcome Zhang once again, as the 40-year-old Chinese fighter possesses a rematch clause embedded in their contract.
In a display of resilience, Parker weathered knockdowns in rounds three and eight by Zhang, known for his heavy-handedness with 21 of his 26 wins coming by knockout. Despite the setbacks, Parker rebounded admirably, showcasing superior work rate and tactical acumen throughout the bout. While Zhang sought the knockout blow relentlessly, Parker remained composed, employing a strategic blend of movement, varied attacks, and well-timed power shots.
Parker’s superior conditioning and ring savvy became evident as the fight progressed, culminating in a strong finish that earned him the verdict from two of the three judges, with scores of 115-111 and 114-112 in his favor. The third judge scored it a 113-113 draw, acknowledging Zhang’s two 10-8 rounds.
For Parker, the victory marked his 35th win in 38 professional bouts, while Zhang suffered only his second defeat.
Meanwhile, former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua stole the spotlight in the main event against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Joshua’s emphatic victory, delivered via a devastating right hand that sent Ngannou to the canvas, underscored his readiness to reclaim the title.
As the heavyweight division awaits the outcome of Tyson Fury’s impending clash with Oleksander Usyk in May, Parker and Joshua find themselves well-positioned to contend for a shot at the championship. With potential rematch clauses in the Fury-Usyk bout, the path to undisputed champion remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, Parker and Joshua have cemented their status as formidable contenders in the heavyweight landscape, setting the stage for intriguing matchups and high-stakes showdowns in the months ahead.