Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker showed his resilience and determination as he defeated Zhilei Zhang by majority decision in a thrilling fight in Saudi Arabia on Friday night. Parker, who had previously beaten Deontay Wilder in Riyadh, was floored twice by the Chinese veteran but recovered to outwork and outbox him in the later rounds.
Parker survives early scare
The fight started cautiously, with both fighters feeling each other out and looking for openings. Zhang, who weighed in at 291 lbs, used his size and reach advantage to keep Parker at bay and landed some jabs and body shots. In the third round, he caught Parker with a crisp left hook that sent him to the canvas. Parker beat the count and tried to fight back, but Zhang continued to pressure him and landed another left at the end of the round.
Parker finds his rhythm
Parker, who had been training with former middleweight champion Andy Lee, showed his composure and adjusted his game plan. He started to use his speed and movement to avoid Zhang’s power punches and landed some sharp combinations of his own. He also targeted Zhang’s body, which seemed to slow down the 40-year-old. Parker won the fourth and fifth rounds with his superior work rate and accuracy.
Zhang scores another knockdown
The sixth and seventh rounds were close, with both fighters having their moments. Zhang landed some heavy blows that shook Parker, but the New Zealander responded with some crisp counters and uppercuts. In the eighth round, Zhang surprised Parker with a right hook that dropped him for the second time in the fight. Parker got up quickly and looked unfazed, but Zhang sensed an opportunity and went for the finish. He unleashed a barrage of punches, but Parker showed his toughness and survived the onslaught.
Parker dominates the final rounds
The knockdown seemed to motivate Parker, who came back strong in the ninth round. He outboxed and outlanded Zhang, who looked tired and frustrated. Parker continued to dominate the tenth and eleventh rounds, as Zhang had little left in the tank. Parker landed some hard shots that rocked Zhang, but the Chinese fighter showed his heart and stayed on his feet. The final round was a formality, as Parker controlled the distance and the pace and cruised to the final bell.
Parker wins the WBO interim title
The judges scored the fight 113-113, 114-112 and 115-111, all in favor of Parker, who improved his record to 35-3 and became the new WBO interim champion. Zhang suffered his first defeat and dropped to 26-1-1. Parker thanked his team and praised Zhang for his performance. He also announced that he would face Zhang again in a rematch, as per their contract. Parker said he was happy with his win and looking forward to the next challenge.
