Joseph Parker beats Junior Fa with a unanimous decision with scores of 119-109, 115-113 and 117-111 in Auckland. The world heavyweight vice-champion is expected to face Derek Chisora in his next fight.
Last Updated: 27/02/21 11:48 am
Joseph Parker defeated Junior Fa on points
Joseph Parker had to grind out a points victory over Junior Fa that kept the world vice-champion on course for the case with Derek Chisora.
Parker had disturbed his rival New Zealander with an early attack, going round Fa in the third round, but was clearly frustrated and tired in the closing rounds before he got to work. a generous unanimous decision with scores of 119-109, 115-113 and 117-111 into Auckland.
A reshuffled fight against Chisora could be the next thing for Parker, who admitted he was blocked by nearly a year from the ring.
Parker was unable to find his range in the opening round and was brought back on his heels with a right hand from Fa.
Parker Fa was injured by flower punches in the third round
But a sharp, right-handed hand from Parker pulled roads from the crowd in the second, a warning sign to Fa, who was injured by a club mix in the third round.
Parker continued to load the crisper punches at close quarters in the fourth, but Fa responded with a right hand in the fifth.
Fa lifted his gloves triumphantly after another straight right hand in the sixth, though Parker carried the most power, lying on a left-handed curve in the seventh.
Derek Chisora has been holding talks about a future fight with Parker
With a big hand, a club hook forcing Fa to hold on in the eighth, he was even more worried when a stray elbow opened a cut over the 31-year-old’s left eye.
But Fa responded defiantly to this injury, forcing Parker to bounce back with right hands in the ninth, while throwing in more shots from long range in the 10th.
Going into the closing rounds, Parker was asked to show more urgency, but eliminated punches until the final bell.