Joseph Parker Overcomes Two Knockdowns to Edge Out Zhilei Zhang by Majority Decision
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 09 Mar 2024
In a thrilling showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Joseph Parker of New Zealand faced off against the formidable Zhilei Zhang of China for the WBO Interim world heavyweight title. Despite enduring two knockdowns, Parker showcased remarkable resilience and tactical prowess to secure a hard-fought victory by majority decision on Friday night (Saturday morning in Manila).
The bout commenced with a strategic exchange as both fighters sought to gauge each other's strengths and weaknesses. Parker diligently worked to establish his range while Zhang aimed to capitalize on opportune moments to strike. Zhang's strategy proved effective in the third round when he landed a precise left straight to the middle that sent Parker to the canvas for the first time in the match.
Undeterred by the setback, Parker displayed exemplary boxing skills throughout the contest, effectively neutralizing Zhang's offense with his deft footwork and sharp combinations. Despite facing adversity, Parker remained composed and stayed true to his game plan, steadily accumulating points as the fight progressed.
In the eighth round, Zhang unleashed a powerful left-right combo that once again floored Parker, showcasing his formidable punching power. However, Parker exhibited remarkable resilience, swiftly recovering from the knockdown to resume his calculated approach for the remainder of the bout.
The judges' scores reflected the closely contested nature of the fight, with Zoltan Enyedi scoring it 113-113, Steve Gray favoring Parker with a score of 114-112, and Patrick Morley also giving the nod to Parker with a score of 115-111. PhilBoxing similarly scored the bout 114-112 in favor of Parker.
Parker came into the fight after scoring a stunning unanimous decision victory over the highly feared Deontay Wilder last December also in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia while Zhang came from two impressive two knockout victories over Joe Joyce of the UK.
With this hard-earned victory, the 32-year-old Parker solidifies his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division. A rematch clause in the contract ensures that Parker will once again square off against the 40-year-old Zhang, promising another electrifying showdown between these two formidable competitors.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo to Defend Unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Titles Against the Philippines’ Joey Canoy
Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy now trains at MP Davao for Collazo's fight
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 30 May 2026Johann Chua claims Duya Airplay Sport 5800 Charity Cup Crown, pockets US$50,000 tops prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 30 May 2026“While others debate governance, the IBA continues to deliver.” IBA CEO & Secretary General Chris Roberts OBE on the organisation’s resilience and global ambition
Sat, 30 May 2026MP Pro Announces Signed Undefeated Prospects J'Hon Ingram, Amir Anderson, David Lopez, and Kayla Gomez to Compete on "Pugilist Revolution" June 19 in Long Beach, California
Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy to challenge Collazo on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 May 2026UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNIE ALVAREZ RETURNS TO THE RING ON JUNE 13 IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Fri, 29 May 202620 Matchups Set for 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, To Determine 2026 USA Wrestling World Championship Teams
Fri, 29 May 2026RJJ Boxing & “RJJ Saving the Kids” Presents World Boxing Association International Middleweight Championship! Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence and Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo
Fri, 29 May 2026Taguig boxing clinic starts
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 May 2026Brico Santig Wins IBF “Most Active Promoter” Award
Thu, 28 May 2026FOSTER AND FORD IN FIERY FACE-OFF IN HOUSTON
Thu, 28 May 2026Tank Davis could return later this year
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 28 May 2026GM Joey Antonio to compete in Asean Sr chessfest in Singapore
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 May 2026Murat Gassiev to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown against Yoka at IBA PRO 19
Thu, 28 May 2026