Parker: "I Will Fight Zhang Again"

Newly minted "interim" WBO heavyweight champion (over 90,7 kg) Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) has shared his thoughts on his victory over Zhang Zhilei (26-2, 21 KOs).

"It's a significant win. I feel like I'm on an upswing. Zhang is a strong guy. He knocked me down twice, but when I returned to my corner, Andy Lee, my coach, told me to keep my cool, stick to boxing, and follow the plan.

Next up, I'll be fighting Zhang again. We agreed on this in our contract," Parker stated.

The bout, which took place on March 8 as part of the undercard for the Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) vs. Francis Ngannou (0-2, 0 KOs) showdown, saw the New Zealander and the Chinese boxer vying for the "interim" WBO heavyweight title.

The contest ended with a decision in favor of Joseph Parker: 113-113, 114-112, and 115-111. Parker found himself on the canvas twice during the fight.

Now, Parker holds the "interim" WBO championship and earns the right to challenge the winner of the bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.