New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has earned himself an IBF world title shot after defeating Carlos Takam in his home city of Auckland.
The 24-year-old won by unanimous decision after a tough battle against his Cameroonian opponent, and a bout against Anthony Joshua could await if the undefeated Brit sees off Dominic Breazale in June.
Almost immediately after the victory, he made it clear that he was already looking to the future.
https://twitter.com/joeboxerparker/status/733988734551494656
After defeating Takam in the title eliminator, Parker’s record stands at 19-0-0 with 16 knockouts.
https://twitter.com/NextUKFight/status/733989715737743360
He is ranked number 12 in the heavyweight division by BoxRec, above Breazale and above Joshua’s most recent opponent, Charles Martin.
Takam was the first man to take him the distance since Sherman Williams in 2014, and the first ever to achieve the feat in a 12-round fight.
Tyson Fury was among the first to congratulate the New Zealander, welcoming Parker to ‘big time boxing’.
Congrats @joeboxerparker great fight,
Welcome to big time boxing, respect to a young lad taking on a very tough guy in takam very well done!— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 21, 2016
Former IBF world featherweight champion Billy Dib also gave Parker his backing, and he is one of many in the boxing world and beyond who can’t wait to see him take on Joshua.
@joeboxerparker congratulations my man. Look forward to seeing you square off against @anthonyfjoshua
— Billy Dib (@BillyDib) May 21, 2016
@joeboxerparker getting it done. Congrats bro. Would love to see @anthonyfjoshua next up. pic.twitter.com/jJVgva1hJz
— Jesse Ryder (@DijaRyder) May 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/A_Smith09/status/733989966242422786
