Kiwi Joseph Parker has extended his win streak to 15 with an emphatic first round knock-out of Australian Bowie Tupou in Invercargill.
Parker proved far too quick and powerful for Tupou, evading his opening onslaught of looping right-hands with ease before delivering the decisive hook to the back of the head with less than a minute elapsed in the opening round.
The Australian went immediately stiff as he planted face-first into the canvas in dramatic fashion.
Parker and Barry spoke post-fight about the strong possibility of an aggressive opening salvo from Tupou.
"We knew he was going to come strong, but I had height and reach over him, so we were prepared,' said Parker.
"I heard him (Barry) scream in the corner to calm down and just box and not get into a brawl, so I stepped aside, planted my feet and just waited for my opportunity."
"He couldn't afford to approach the fight any other way," added Barry. "He couldn't come out and box Joe, he would've got a terrible beating."
It was announced that Parker's next fight would come on October 15th in Auckland with the promise of a genuine, top-ranked opponent. When quizzed as to the likelihood of that opponent being Kali Meehan, promoter David Higgins could only offer a knowing glance.
"It's possibly the biggest fight New Zealand's ever had," stated Higgins.
Click above to watch the fight replay
3 News
