Joseph Parker Stops Meehan In Three, Remains Unbeaten

By Jake Donovan

Joseph Parker had little trouble in preserving his unbeaten record, knocking out veteran Kali Meehan inside of three rounds Thursday evening at The Trust Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. 

True to his word, Parker opened the bout measuring up the 45-year old Meehan, cognizant of the right hand power his opponent still boasts. It never really came to surface, the closest being occasional overhand shots that - even had they landed - were never going to produce much damage.

It was enough for the rising young heavyweight to go on the attack. A smart opening round paved the way for Parker to pick up the pace and make his presence felt. Meehan was rocked several times in round two, trying his best to trade hooks and power shots, but his bravery paying a heavy price.

After a dominant round two, Parker closed the show. A booming right hand put Meehan down and out, with referee Ferlin Marsh stopping the contest at 1:00 of round three. 

Parker rolls to 16-0 (14KOs), having scored four knockouts in as many fights on the year, none lasting beyond the 4th round. 

As for Meehan, it's been said often through the years, but his time in the sun has long ago come and gone. It was evident in the main event matchup, facing a boxer who - at 23 years of age - was just three years older than his son, William who won by knockout on the undercard.

The elder Meehan came in riding a five-fight win streak, though having been out since last November while holding out for a big opportunity. The loss sends his record to 42-6 (32KOs). His long-ago claim to fame was pushing then-heavyweight titlist Lamon Brewster to the brink, coming up just short in a questionable decision loss in Sept. '04

Providing that an opponent can be found, plans call for Parker to return on December 5. He will once again appear on the same show as Jeff Horn, who was once again victorious in the evening's chief support. The unbeaten weterweight prospect improved to 12-0-1 (8KOs) after cruising to a 10-round shutout over Argentina's Alfredo Blanco. 

Both bouts aired on Fox Sports in Australia.