The one fighter than New Zealand boxing fans should be really excited about is youngster Joseph Parker (7-0, 6) who returned to the ring earlier today, the first time since stopping Frans Botha, and defeated Afa Tatupu (9-5, 7). Tatupu, the New Zealand Heavyweight champion was stopped in just 2 rounds by the fast rising Parker.
Although Parker did miss out on the 2012 Olympic games he is widely viewed as one of the most promising Heavyweight prospects in the world and at just 21 years old there is so much untapped potential that he's one every boxing fan should be keeping an eye on.
The Parker/Tatupu fight was one of two fights that took place on the card in New Zealand with the other being a huge shock as American giant Julius Long (16-17-0-1, 14) scored his first victory since the summer of 2007. Long, who had brought a 9 fight losing streak to the ring, sensationally upset Jason Williams (6-2, 3), who himself was on a run of 6 victories.
For Long this is probably a surprise just as much for him as it is for us. The 7'1" fighter, who we all thought had retired, may well have secured a second payday down under with a fighter against Parker certainly a possibility.