Saturday 1 October 2016 21:24, UK
Joseph Parker increased his threat to Anthony Joshua’s world title with a three-round destruction of Alexander Dimitrenko.
The mandatory challenger for Joshua's IBF belt delivered a frightening display of hand speed in dispatching the durable Dimitrenko, knocking him down four times in just two-and-a-half rounds.
The New Zealander's right hand landed at will from the first bell - an uppercut stung Dimitrenko (38-3), before a left hook-straight right combination earned the first knock-down.
The unbeaten Parker (21-0) flew out of the traps in the second, his right hand still zipping through Dimitrenko's guard every time he unleashed it. Twice it landed with authority, and twice Dimitrenko was down.
The finish seemed inevitable but there was a hint of controversy - Dimitrenko, at close quarters, seemed to take a knee before Parker landed a thudding body shot that ended the fight.
It was an impressive display of ferocity from Parker who, in the same Auckland arena in May, went the distance with Carlos Takam. Dimitrenko had previously only been stopped by Kubrat Pulev in 40 fights.
Parker's attention will now turn towards the vacancy on November 26 in Manchester to challenge IBF champion Joshua, although he has also suggested he could vie for Andy Ruiz Jr's WBO title.
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