Joseph Parker has brushed off what appears to be an increasingly bizarre backlash against his majority decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr to become world heavyweight champion last night.
Leading the charge is New Zealand Professional Boxing Association president Lance Revill, who said Mexican Ruiz Jr was "robbed" and thatthe result made him "embarrassed to be a New Zealander".
Parker, 24, was given the decision after 12 rounds, with one judge scoring it 114-114 and the two others 115-113. Revill by contrast, scored it 118-111 to Ruiz Jr.
Kiwi Parker was relaxed about the naysayers, saying he understood the doubt because it was a close fight.
"I don't blame them, it was a very close fight," he said. "But deep down inside I know I won, I know that I did enough to get the victory."
Trainer Kevin Barry said: "I thought that Joe scored with a lot of clean punches with his left jab from the outside. We had three independent judges from three different countries around the world that we had no affiliation with."
New Zealand Boxer and WBO Heavy Weight Champion Joseph Parker enjoys a laugh with trainer Kevin Barry. Photo / Greg Bowker
Parker looked relaxed and rested today after his efforts of the night before. There were no discernible marks around his face, whereas Ruiz Jr was heavily marked and bruised, particularly around his eyes, which were bloodshot.
Parker arrived at a celebration for his family and friends at a downtown Auckland bar today after watching a broadcast of heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua knockout American Eric Molina in a defence of his IBF title, for which Parker is mandatory challenger.
Immediately after the fight in Manchester it was announced that Joshua would fight Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF and WBA titles on April 29, a mega fight and by far the toughest challenge of Joshua's career.
Parker said of 28-year-old Joshua: "He looked great, he looked strong. Klitschko got in the ring later - they've got their fight in April. It's good to see the old dog and the new dog. They're going to have a great fight, a fight that everyone wants to see.
"He's cool and calm, a respected guy. But also he's got a lot of power. I liked what I saw. I respect him as a fighter - he was good. [But] no fear, you bring me into a ring with Joshua, I'll back myself any day. I'll fight him any time he wants or I want. But he's a great fighter himself and there's a reason why he's a champion."
