Former heavyweight world champion Jospeh Parker scored a decisive knockout victory over Faiga Opelu today in Melbourne, Australia.
The New Zealander effectively went into away territory as be took on Opelu in his home nation. Parker’s Australian debut lasted just 1 minute and 26 seconds after Opelu went down from a right hand after some early intensive pressure from Parker. Referee Ignatius Missailidis saw enough as Opelu touched the canvas after a barrage of punches, immediately halting the bout as he went down.
Not a lot to report from the fight itself as it barely got started before it finished. Parker headlined the Main Event pay-per-view card courtesy of No Limit Boxing, his second d straight victory after his first knockout defeat to Joe Joyce last year.
Parker bounced back in January with a points victory over Jack Massey in Manchester, England. However, despite the emphatic victory, Opelu was a long way off from the type of opponent worthy of sharing the ring with Parker.
Opelu picked up his fourth career defeat and his third knockout against his name. His last high profile fight came against fellow Australian Lucas Browne, losing via a 7th round stoppage at the end of 2021. He did bounce back with a victory over the undefeated Hemi Ahio, and most recently had to settle for a technical-draw with Kris Terzievski two months ago. The Australian and Commonwealth title fight ended after round 3, due to an ankle injury to Terzievski.
WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury was ringside to watch gym-mate Parker, who he embraced upon scoring the knockout victory. Parker’s record improves to 32-3 (22 KOs), while Opelu moves his record to 15-4-2 (11 KOs).
