Joseph Parker: Puts Another Win On His Professional Record!

By Dave “Madcap” Mroczek

Early Thursday morning, half way across the planet, there was a prizefight of note. Joseph Parker, a top young heavyweight standout took on Solomon Haumono in a big Kiwi matchup over in Christchurch, New Zealand. Parker, of course, has quick hands and is the best looking boxing prospect to emerge from New Zealand since David Tua. Solomon Haumono is a former rugby player and sometimes prizefighter who has proven himself the best of the fighting rugby players, and has shown a skill level higher than that of a journeyman. He has built a decent following in Oceania, which made this a very marketable matchup in New Zealand. Known for his big punch against the Kiwi level opposition he has been facing, Haumono was taking a serious step up in level.

In the early going Parker boxed well on the retreat using his jab to set up his distance. Solomon looked to work his way inside by bobbing underneath Joseph’s jab. Joseph Parker appeared to be a bit stationary early in his career, but in this fight it looked like he had worked on his movement and appeared much improved in this one. Parker was able to set up his right hand nicely a couple times in the opening round, while Haumono’s success was limited to a couple lunging shots.

As the fight wore on, both men picked up the pace in the following rounds. Parker was still looking to set his shots up at range, and looking to neutralize his opponent on the inside by clinching. Solomon was attempting to work his way in and force a brawl without much success. He did however manage to land a handful of well-timed counter right hooks that landed with a heavy thud, drawing gasps from the crowd. This was perhaps a bit concerning for the Joseph Parker camp, who has appeared to take a few too many flush shots in his last fight versus Carlos Takam, calling his defense into question. While he appeared to have improved somewhat, he still took a few too many shots standing straight up.

Solomon Haumono looked tough in there and did his best to try and make it a fight. It was clear from the start that the skill and handspeed of the man was not on par with that of Joseph Parker. While he showed some quality, and that he was more than just a novelty act, a fighting rugby man, Parker eventually collected his toll. He started to land some thunderous shots in the third and fourth rounds. He likes to use a fast cuffing right hand – a bit of a bolo punch that blurs the line between hook and uppercut. He has landed this shot with great success throughout his career.

Part way through the fourth, Parker landed the best punch of the fight. Haumono leaned in expecting to be caught in a clinch, but Joseph had him timed. He subtly shifted his body and landed a perfect, and lightning fast uppercut right under the chin of Solomon which deposited him firmly on his rear. He beat the count fine but whatever he whispered to the referee was enough to convince the officiant that he had had enough, and was not willing to continue. The fight was called to a stop.

Solomon Haumono was expected to be easily rolled over by Parker in this match, and he did well to prove that he may have some quality to him. While the inevitable did eventually happen, he gave a good account of himself, and age permitting, could be a decent fighter if matched at the right level. While the world’s kingdom may be out of reach, he could certainly compete on the “silver”, “international” or “intercontinental” levels. He could make respectable and potentially winnable fights versus British level opposition such as Dereck Chisora, Dillian Whyte, or David Price.

Joseph Parker has the potential to go on to great things in the heavyweight division. While his huge power has not translated upwards into his recent steps up the rankings, his speed and ability to land certainly have. Parker has some of the fastest and flashiest combinations in world heavyweight boxing right now, and has a very good amount of pop to go with it. His defense, however suspect, is clearly an area he is working towards improving, and his chin certainly has some brisk whiskers. He is also a brave fighter who will make sure he gets his shots in, and is unafraid to engage his opponent. Big things are in this man’s future and boxing fans will look forward to seeing his career unfold.

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