Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight world champion, delivered a sensational first-round knockout victory over Faiga Opelu in their highly anticipated main event bout held in Melbourne.
Displaying his exceptional skill and power, Parker unleashed a flurry of punches that sent Opelu crashing to the canvas, prompting the referee to swiftly intervene and halt the contest with a mere 90 seconds remaining in the round.
Reflecting on his emphatic triumph, Parker expressed his satisfaction, stating: “One round was all it took for me. I aimed to establish dominance, showcase my size advantage, and make every punch count.”
“I feel incredible; this is the best I’ve felt in a long time. This performance was exactly what I needed, and I’m eager to step back into the ring as soon as possible. I want to maintain my momentum, stay active, and continue climbing towards the pinnacle of the division.”
With this victory, Parker improved his professional record to an impressive 32 wins, with only three defeats.
Notably, this triumph marks his second consecutive win following his knockout loss in a thrilling bout against Joe Joyce last year.
Parker’s exceptional display of skill and his determination to regain his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division was evident, raising questions over whether he can rediscover his best form.