Joseph Parker has today made a successful return to the ring, knocking out Australian heavyweight Faiga Opelu in impressive style.
Ahead of the clash, which was Parker’s first professional outing in Australia, training partner and heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, claimed that his stablemate was in the shape of his life and anticipated an eye-catching performance.
‘The Gypsy King’ was proven to be correct in his prediction, as the former WBO champion ran through Opelu in dominant fashion, ending the fight within ninety seconds of the opening bell.
Parker has made steady progress under the guidance of trainer Andy Lee, who he appointed over two years ago, and registered his first knockout victory in his fifth attempt with Lee as his cornerman.
The 31-year-old showcased his speed from the word ‘go’, before landing a left-hook that wobbled Opelu and finishing him off with a straight right-hand.
The stoppage was Parker’s first in over three years and clearly impressed Fury, who was supporting at ringside.
The WBC champion has revealed his lack of interest in giving Parker a title shot, but did express his belief that Parker deserves a fight with one of the big names in the division following the one-sided beatdown. as reported by Sky Sports.
“I’d like to see him fight maybe a rematch with Andy Ruiz, or a rematch with Joe Joyce, or even Dillian Whyte or even AJ. Joseph Parker is back on the map!”
This may not be the last time that we see Fury travel ‘down under’, with growing whispers that the Brit could fight Demsey McKean in either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane this summer.
