
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:
Vayson aims to make history
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Day Two of 2025 USA Boxing National Open Delivers 108 Action-Packed Bouts in Tulsa
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Bryce Mills Boxes James Bernadin At del Lago Resort & Casino On Thursday, Oct. 30, in Waterloo, NY
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Caribbean Clash Returns Friday, November 7th at Gulfstream Park Casino in Hallandale, Florida
Thu, 18 Sep 2025VM Sotto, City Council Recognize GM Joey Antonio
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Larida is Southern Coach of the Year
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 18 Sep 2025D.C. Knockout Artist Scooter Davis Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
Thu, 18 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 15 SEPTEMBER 2025: Crawford Snatches Canelo's Undisputed Crown at 168 Lbs; Inoue Defeats Akhmadliev to Retain 4 Superbantam Belts; Crocker Outpoints Donovan
By Eric Armit, Wed, 17 Sep 2025TICKET NEWS: EUBANK JR-BENN II ON SALE FROM THIS WEDNESDAY
Wed, 17 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
Wed, 17 Sep 2025Canelo-Crawford: The Consolidation of Boxing’s New Commercial Empire
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Sep 2025A New Era for Boxing: Canelo vs. Crawford Shatters Global Viewership Records on Netflix
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 17 Sep 2025Crawford Not the First Lightweight to Distinguish Himself at Super Middleweight
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 17 Sep 2025Kurt Scoby and Josh Popper Headline Boxing Insider Card September 19 in Times Square
Wed, 17 Sep 2025