Parker secures World title shot

22 May 2016, 12:00AM

He’s done it. Lupesoliai Joseph Parker has secured a shot at the heavyweight title of the world.

He did this with a brave display in Auckland tonight, defeating Carlos Takam.

In doing so, he becomes the IBF heavyweight eliminator.

Parker (19-0, 16 KOs) won a clear twelve round unanimous decision over IBF #3 Carlos Takam (33-3-1, 25 KOs) at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau City, New Zealand. 

In round one, Parker mostly jabbed, while Takam connected with a few power shots, which Parker took well. 

The action heated up in round two as both fighters looked to land something big. Parker controlled the next few rounds, but Takam battered Parker in round five. Parker did some good work in round six, but Takam closed the round stronger. Takam not working for three minutes, round seven for Parker.

 Takam brought the pressure in round eight. Parker launched a barrage of punches looking to get the stop, but Takam took it and fired back. 

Slow round nine, then Takam came on late to win it. Takam took round ten off and rould eleven was slow paced also. Takam tried to rally in round twelve, but Parker was up to the task. 

Scores were 116-112, 116-112, 115-113. In by far his biggest test, Parker showed he belongs in the heavyweight championship mix.

22 May 2016, 12:00AM
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