Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker is back in the winner’s circle after a unanimous decision (96-93, 97-92, 97-93) over tough Brit Jack Massey.
Parker, who was coming off his first loss since 2018, was in full control of the fight across the 10 rounds in what was Massey’s debut at heavyweight having moved up from cruiserweight.
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It wasn’t the show-stopping performance Parker had hoped for, coming up against a rival who didn’t seem too willing to stand and trade and was docked a point in the eighth round by the referee.
However, Parker was able to rip some monster shots throughout that put Massey on the back foot in what was a much-needed victory for the former WBO heavyweight champion as he continues to rebuild.
“We knew he was going to come prepared and ready,” Parker said in his post-fight interview.
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“He put on a good performance. He was moving a lot, which made it a bit difficult, but I think if he came forward a little bit it would be a different fight.
“But congrats to Jack for taking it all 10 rounds and thanks for the good fight.”
Parker’s trainer Andy Lee noted the Kiwi needed to get some more rounds in the tank as he continues working his way back into the title conversation and was a little more ruthless in his view of Massey’s style of fighting against Parker.
“I think he’s just beginning again,” Lee said.
“It’s a rebuilding process. The 10 rounds will do him good.
“It’s very hard to look good against someone who’s being so negative. Those are the hardest opponents to come up against.
“You saw when Jack stood and they traded, it was an exciting fight. But it was too little.”
