Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker LIVE: Latest updates, result and reaction tonight
Re-live updates from the heavyweights’ showdown in Manchester plus all the undercard action
On Saturday night in Manchester, Joe Joyce was unfazed, undeterred and unrelenting as he marched through Joseph Parker’s offence, defence and resilience to knock out the New Zealander in the 11th round and claim the vacant interim WBO heavyweight title. There have been criticisms of Joyce’s speed, movement and creativity since the Olympic silver medalist turned pro, but the Briton has compiled a 15-0 (14 KOs) unbeaten record by playing to his strengths, and that was exactly what he did against Parker in this enthralling main-event contest at the AO Arena.
At 37 years old, Joyce has time against him in his quest to become a world champion, but it did not show on Saturday. Joyce picked his moments wisely in Manchester, applying constant, measured pressure against Parker but only increasing the volume and intensity of his output when absolutely necessary. Joyce established a healthy lead with forward movement, teasing jabs and well-timed power punches, while New Zealand’s Parker demonstrated great heart to absorb his opponent’s most effective offence and fire back with brutal body hooks and the occasional frightening haymaker.
Yet the “Juggernaut” continually pressed forward, indefatigable as he accepted Parker’s punches as though they were ‘tickles’, something he had threatened to do ahead of the bout. As the cuts and bruises began to mount for Parker, who did his best not to wilt and to instead conjure a finish against the odds, Joyce sensed that the end need not wait until the final bell, and he ultimately put Parker away in the penultimate round. Re-live updates from Joyce vs Parker and the full undercard, below.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 7
A left straight lands for Serrano, now a right. The champion then swings a left hook into the body of Mahfoud.
Mahfoud needs to be more positive; her jab alone will not win this fight.
More heavy body hooks from Serrano.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 6
Mahfoud looks to get on the front foot. She’s not throwing much more than her jab, though, and Serrano is usually out of range.
Serrano was looking for counter shots, but now she’s beginning to assert herself again.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 5
Some decent jabs from Mahfoud as she’s backed up, but Serrano is showing the Faroese-Dane little respect, marching the challenger down incessantly.
A right hook connects to the face of Mahfoud. Good range management and head movement from Serrano, too.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 4
Lots of effective body work now from Serrano, who is using that left hook especially well. A right jab connects to the head, too.
Serrano squeezes an uppercut through Mahfoud’s guard. This time it’s a right hook to the mid-section of Mahfoud.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 3
Brutal left body hook from Serrano to Mahfoud, who then lands a jab while moving backwards.
Serrano with a left cross to the chest of Mahfoud.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 2
A left hook lands to the body of Mahfoud, who has been cut to the head after a coming-together.
In fact, Serrano may also be cut, but there’s a lot of blood streaming down Mahfoud’s forehead.
Serrano is starting to land more clinically, too.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 1
Mahfoud is light on her feet early on as Serrano pushes forward.
Serrano is loading up on her shots a bit too much at the moment, while Mahfoud is trying to stick behind the jab.
Mahfoud is also circling to her left for the most part, away from southpaw Serrano’s power hand.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano has held world titles in numerous weight classes, but she enters this bout as unified featherweight champion.
Here we go.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Puerto Rican Serrano’s pro record stands at 42-2-1 (30 KOs).
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