Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker has taken a significant stride towards re-entering conversations for world title contention with an impressive third-round knockout against Canadian Simon Kean.
Parker was on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou event in Saudi Arabia this morning, looking to claw his way back into the upper ranks of the heavyweight division after last year's loss to Joe Joyce.
With two wins already under his belt in 2023, Parker added a third in emphatic fashion in Riyadh as he patiently delivered a series of blows to knock out Kean.
Kean, a former Olympian and late bloomer in the professional ranks with a 23-1 record heading into the night, found some early success against the Kiwi and appeared to gain confidence from the early exchanges - especially an opening round left hook that staggered Parker momentarily.
However, Parker recovered and fought his way back into the contest before landing an initial uppercut on the Canadian's jaw that delighted the crowd.
Parker didn't launch an assault after the blow, despite Kean's clearly stunned state, and instead methodically landed more blows before finishing the fight with a second uppercut which sent his opponent to the canvas.
Kean attempted to return to his feet but simply couldn't, ending the fight with just under a minute left in the round.
The win means Parker moves to 33-3 in his career, 23 of which have come by knockout.
Parker also won the vacant IBF and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titles with the result.
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