JOSEPH PARKER DELIVERS EXPLOSIVE KNOCKOUT IN SAUDI ARABIA

Joseph Parker lands a left jab on Simon Kean during their undercards (Photo: Joseph Parker Facebook Page)

In a thrilling heavyweight showdown on the undercard of Tyson Fury's bout against Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Joseph Parker delivered one of the most eye-catching knockouts of his 11-year career. The New Zealand fighter halted a brave Simon Kean in the third round, reminding the world of his enduring talent in the division.

Parker's journey to this explosive victory wasn't without its challenges. Despite being a former WBO world champion, he had faced doubts following a series of uninspiring performances. Notably, he suffered an 11th-round knockout loss to Joe Joyce over a year ago and a somewhat unconvincing points win over career-cruiserweight Jack Massey in January. However, since enlisting the services of strength and conditioning coach George Lockhart, recommended by Fury, Parker appeared fitter and stronger than ever.

Kean, his Canadian opponent, was considered a limited adversary with minimal top-level experience. Still, Parker's mission was to prove that he remained a force to be reckoned with in the division. And prove it, he did.

The first two rounds of the fight were filled with entertainment as Parker landed telling blows while also enduring some determined strikes from Kean. However, as the bout progressed, the class difference became apparent. Parker's blurring combinations and accuracy began to shine. In the third round, Kean started to feel the weight of Parker's punches. Parker cleverly disguised a right uppercut behind his jab, catching Kean off guard and sending him to the canvas.

Kean was unable to recover and was swiftly counted out, securing a resounding victory for Parker. The 31-year-old fighter credited his trainer for the fight-ending blow and emphasized the importance of the jab in setting up such a statement-making punch.

Parker's triumph not only showcased his resurgent form but also his potential for future success in the heavyweight division. His dominant performance served as a powerful reminder to the boxing world that when he's in full flow, he remains a formidable opponent.

After the fight, Parker expressed his desire to return to the ring as early as December, with hopes of featuring on Tyson Fury's undercard in another major event in Saudi Arabia. This victory served as a testament to Parker's class and left fans eagerly anticipating his next bout, eager to see if he can continue to make waves in the heavyweight division.