Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker has put a frustrating 2019 behind him, stopping American Shawndell Winters in round five.
The former WBO heavyweight champion fought just once last year - a 10th round knockout over Alex Leapai - but was sidelined for most of the last 18 months with injury, including a poisonous spider bite.
But Parker is still in the heavyweight mix, after an impressive performance against Winters that has solidified him as the No.2 contender in the WBO.
Parker started well, establishing his razor-quick jab, and backing Winters up with powerful right hands and trademark body shots.
Winters, 39, stayed calm under Parker's offensive onslaught and had a few moments of success himself, although he never seriously hurt the Kiwi.
Parker dropped Winters with a powerful right towards the end of round three, but the American answered the referee's count to survive. Winters then cut Parker with a heavy right hand in the early part of round four that appeared to slow Parker down, as Winters arguably stole his first round of the fight.
But after just a brief moment of hope, the Illinois native was dropped for the second and last time midway through the fifth round, after Parker landed four heavy shots that sent Winters to the canvas.
Winters making it back to his feet, but the referee waved off the fight and spared the American from further punishment.
Parker was happy with his performance, but said there was still much to work on, as he planned a journey back to the heavyweight summit.
"A win is a win," Parker said afterwards.
"I got a little bit excited after I hurt him and lost my way. I need to be more patient and pick my shots, but happy with the win."
The Kiwi says he wants two more fights in 2020, and has called out Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte, although a WBO title eliminator against Oleksandr Usyk is another possibility.
