28 October 2023 , 19:55
1086
0
Simon Kean paid the ultimate price for showboating against Joseph Parker when he hit the canvas seconds after goading his rival.
Kean and Parker met in a crossroads fight on the undercard of Tyson Fury's clash with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Former world champion Parker knew victory was essential if he was to remain in the world title picture. And he made sure he had his hand raised in style.
After a patient opening two rounds, Parker sensed the fight was his for the taking in the third session. He had already connected with an uppercut when Kean beckoned him to continue his attack. Parker obliged and another shot send his opponent backwards on to the canvas.
Kean made little effort to rise to his feet as the referee counted him out as he saw his own hopes of progressing up the rankings go up in smoke in the desert. Parker said: "He was tough, very tough, but we'd put the work in. You've just got to listen to the coach, he can see everything from the outside. The jab sets everything up and that's what happened.
"We're looking to December, hopefully back here. We're working on it. I've loved it out here and hopefully we can get another one on." Parker's trainer, former middleweight world champion Andy Lee added: "That's how you make a statement. We're here with the greatest heavyweights in the world and Joseph Parker reminded everyone he's class."
Deontay Wilder offers advice to Manny Pacquiao's son ahead of latest fight
Earlier on the undercard, rising British star Moses Itauma added another stoppage to his record with an early finish against Istvan Bernath. There was also British success for Jack McGann who dropped and stopped Roberto Duran Jr in the opening fight of the night.
Later, Fury will take on Ngannou in a fight which WILL go on their respective records after the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed they will be sanctioning the bout in Riyadh.