The WBO World heavyweight title is going back to New Zealand.
Joseph Parker promised as knockout win but mandatory challenger Hughie Fury proved his toughness once again and lasted twelve rounds against the Kiwi.
As expected, the champion started strong and moved forward against the challenger. The plan was to cut the ring efficiently and hurt Fury with power shots.
Throughout three rounds Fury relied on good movement and boxed Parker well while utilising the jab.
In the fourth and fifth rounds, Parker kept bringing the fight to Fury and continued to swing violent power shots. Though, the champion did have trouble hitting flush as Fury was managed get out of harms way.
The Brit did land strong shots of his own but the WBO champion simply ate them and kept coming forward.
Parker pushed the pace nearing the tenth round. He was now hitting his target with precision but he also caused problems on the inside by roughing Fury up.
The 23 year old Fury was boxing very well and hung in there with Parker but the Kiwi was the aggressor of the two. A part from good movement and efficient jabbing, Fury was not landing big shots or causing any concern to Parker.
In the final round Parker yet again relied on his tough and gritty come forward style and landed big power shots. The judges eventually scored the fight 114-114, 118-110 and 118-110 in favour of the champion.