Boxing writer Patrick McKendry reviews last night's stunning performance by the New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker.
1. How significant was this victory? Very. Yes, Irineu Beato Costa Junior was hand-picked as an opponent because of his slowness relative to Parker, and the fact that when hit he merely covers up rathertrying to evade, but the power the 22-year-old showed in the first three rounds and then the two-punch knockout in the fourth was outstanding. It bodes extremely well for the future.
2. Was his opponent any good, though? He is a world-ranked fighter. Costa Junior is ranked 15th by the WBO and has never been knocked out before. His only other loss in 16 pro fights, against Christian Hammer in Germany in October, was by way of decision over 12 rounds. Hammer, ranked seventh in the world, couldn't hurt him let alone knock him out. Parker is ranked 10th by the WBA and will surely rise higher following this performance.
3. Where to now for Parker? Samoa with Sala and Dempsey, his parents, for a well-deserved break for a fortnight before returning to Las Vegas and back into training with Kevin Barry. Parker, who fought five times in seven and a half months this year, will fight five or six times next year, probably starting in March. Barry wants him in the top five this time next year. The future is bright.
