Parker lands a big shot early! Zhang didn’t shrug that one off, it was certainly one he felt and Parker does well to get outside afterward.
After the clinch Parker is doing well to catch Zhang just after the ref splits them.
But then out of nowhere Zhang knocks him down! Another innocent enough looking left hand and Parker goes down to one knee!
That could be a decisive moment in the fight as Parker had some real momentum. He does well to land a few solid right hands to the body at the end of the round but Zhang will have won that one.
Parker needs to remain busy, Zhang isn’t forcing things too much so there are opportunities to win rounds if he can pick his shots.
Parker lands a one-two to the body early, Zhang clinches a couple of times then catches the Kiwi with a number of solid shots.
Parker lands one straight down the pipe but Zhang literally shakes it off with a shrug – unreal.
Another round that’s too close for an armchair expert to score.
Zhang has only gone 12 rounds once… Parker has done it ten times…
This is smart boxing from Parker. He knows if he can land four or five punches he can steal the round with how little Zhang is pushing things.
The Kiwi brought the uppercut out a couple of times in this round, which would suggest he’s feeling a little more comfortable.
Not a whole lot to speak about there – tense stuff. Too close to call but perhaps Joe has levelled the scorecard..
Parker has landed 50% of his punches, Zhang about half that. They’ve both thrown the same but the Kiwi lands more.
First time we’ve seen Parker on the front foot and controlling the centre of the ring.
Parker works a nice double jab, tapping in to the body using his eyes very intelligently.
Zhang looks like he’s waiting on a KO rather than trying to win the round.
Parker definitely looking the busier of the two. Three two to Zhang by my scorecard, the Kiwi wins the last two.
Zhang is on the front foot now, looks very composed.
Parker lands a nice one-two early but it doesn’t seem to faze the Chinese heavyweight.
Parker has a steady stream of blood coming from the bridge of his nose but manages to land a few shots.
And the Kiwi replies with a big right hand, then left hook of his own! Zhang was rocked slightly but stays on his feet!
That’s what the boy from South Auckland needed, for his own confidence as much as the scorecard. Bounce back round.
