Joseph Parker confirmed he’s to combat Zhilei Zhang once more later in 2024 after outpointing his rival to win the WBO interim heavyweight title.
The New Zealander, 32, recovered from two knockdowns to document one other spectacular victory and improve additional the popularity that has been rising for the reason that resolution he earned in December over Deontay Wilder.
After 12 rounds with Zhang in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he was awarded scores of 114-112, 115-111 and 113-113, however in contrast to Anthony Joshua, who in victory over Francis Ngannou can count on a future date with the winner of the 2 fights between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, he’ll once more need to combat the 40-year-old Zhang.
“This can be a nice win,” Parker mentioned. “I really feel like we’re on the up now. Zhang is a tricky man. He knocked me down twice however once I got here again to the nook Andy [Lee, my trainer] was, ‘Maintain your composure; maintain boxing and observe the plan’.
“Andy and George [Lockhart, my conditioner] did a hell of a job with me. Everybody that’s right here. So, hear, I’m very completely satisfied – I’m gonna go dwelling and have fun.
“Exhausting work. After the defeat to Joe Joyce [in 2022; Joyce had also twice lost to Zhang], and the win over Jack Massey, I nonetheless wasn’t proud of my efficiency. I’ve George right here and Andy right here, and that’s the individuals I thank. Everybody. It’s an unbelievable feeling getting back from that loss, and now look the place we’re. Thank God.”
Parker’s revered coach Andy Lee had just lately informed BoxingScene {that a} rematch with Zhang was probably, regardless.
“What subsequent is I’m preventing Zhang once more,” Parker continued. “We’re gonna do it once more.
“That’s that we’re contracted to.”
