2 Aug 2015

Parker wins with first round KO

1:43 pm on 2 August 2015

The New Zealand heavyweight boxer, Joseph Parker, remains unbeaten after knocking out the Australian, Bowie Tupou, in the first round of their fight in Invercargill.

The win improves the 23-year-old Parker's record to 15 wins and no losses, including 13 knockouts.

The 107 kilogram Parker needed just 63 seconds to send Tupou to the floor with a right hook to the Australian's temple.

It's Parker's sixth win inside two rounds.

The New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker extends his unbeaten record to 15 fights with a first round KO of Bowie Tupou.

The New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker extends his unbeaten record to 15 fights with a first round KO of Bowie Tupou. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

There was some initial concern for Parker's flattened opponent, though he eventually woke up and was helped to his feet.

Parker, who stopped South African Francois Botha in the second round just over two years ago, has gone the distance only twice against the American Sherman Williams in October last year and against Brice Ritani Coe in California in 2013.

He has also beaten the American Brian Minto, a veteran of 50 professional bouts.

After the win Parker said, "all he was worried about was throwing his punches. He wasn't worried about what was coming back."

"It only went one round and we were prepared to go 12 but we are happy with the victory."

"What can I say: it's a good night."

New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker knocks out Australian Bowie Tupou in the first round of their fight.

New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker knocks out Australian Bowie Tupou in the first round of their fight. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Parker could rise as high as number five in the WBO rankings after retaining his two belts, the PABA and WBO Oriental titles.

He also claimed Tupou's WBO Africa title.

The South Aucklander is expected to fight twice more this year, with the next bout in Auckland in October against a yet to be confirmed opponent.

Topou's professional record fell to 25-4, including 17 knockouts.

The 32-year-old, who weighs around 120 kilograms, lost to Bryant Jennings and Malik Scott in 2012, but has a win over Otis Tisdale behind his name.

On the undercard in Invercargill, the local fighter, Kaleni Taetuli, dealt David, the Brown Buttabean, Letele his first defeat, stunning his much more experienced opponent with a 22 second first round knockout.

Taetuli, making his professional debut, won a $15,000 bonus for the knockout.

Taetuli has accepted a rematch that carries an extra $20,000 cheque, should he knockout Letele again in Auckland.