February 24, 2025

Joseph Parker wins WBO Interim Title in Saudi

Atereano Mateariki Posted On February 24, 2025

Getty Images

Papatoetoe based boxer Joseph Parker is one step closer to the top of the heavyweight boxing mountain.

Papatoetoe-based boxer Joseph Parker is one step closer to the top of the heavyweight boxing mountain.

Yesterday, Parker defeated last-minute replacement Martin Bakole via knockout in the second round to claim the interim WBO Heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia.

After the fight, Parker reaffirmed his desire to fight for a world championship, calling out current WBA, WBO, and IBA champion Oleksandr Usyk.

He was originally scheduled to fight for the IBF title against Daniel Dubois; however, Dubois pulled out on Friday with an unspecified illness.

One notable audience member was Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who is on international business and is expected to head to China later this week.