Parker vs. Zhilei: Fight Statistics

On March 8th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a fight for the "interim" WBO heavyweight title (over 90.7 kg) took place between New Zealand's Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) and China's Zhang Zhilei (26-2, 21 KOs). The confrontation ended with a decision by the judges: 113-113, 114-112, and 115-111 in favor of Joseph Parker. The New Zealander was knocked down twice during the fight.

Fight Statistics

Parker landed 101 of 349 (28.9%) of his punches. Zhilei landed 75 out of 273 (27.5%).

Joseph connected on 22 of 181 jabs thrown (12.2%). Zhilei's figure was 35 out of 126 (27.8%).

The majority of Parker's hits were power shots: 79 out of 168 (47%). Zhilei's figure for power shots was 40 out of 147 (27.2%).

What's Next?

Parker is now among the contenders for the winner of the Usyk-Fury pair, as he holds the "interim" WBO title. However, a rematch between Joseph and Zhang Zhilei is planned. The New Zealander will not be able to challenge for the absolute title in the near future because Filip Hrgovic (the IBF contender) and seemingly Anthony Joshua are ahead in line. Parker's team wants to stay active.

Zhilei has preliminarily agreed to a second showdown.