New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has beaten Brazilian number one Irineu Beato Costa Junior in a fourth-round knockout at the Fight For Life event in Hamilton.
Joseph Parker knocks out Irineu Beato Costa Junior in Hamilton Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Parker's victory was emphatic, the Aucklander dominating his heavier and more experienced opponent from the start, winning all three rounds before landing the impressive knockout blow early in the fourth.
The win takes Parker's record as a professional to 12-0.
Joseph Parker celebrates his knockout win over Irineu Beato Costa Junior in Hamilton Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Australian rugby league hard man Willie Mason secured his first win in the boxing ring, defeating Chiefs rugby prop Ben Tameifuna in their charity bout.
It was Mason's second charity boxing bout after a draw with All Blacks forward Troy Flavell in Auckland in 2012.
Willie Mason in action against Ben Tameifuna Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tameifuna was also boxing for a second time, having lost to another Kangaroos forward, Sam Thaiday, in Auckland last December.
Rugby league also won the second battle of the codes, with former New Zealand Warriors forward Monty Betham seeing off a spirited challenge from former All Black star Carlos Spencer.
Monty Betham saw off a spirited challenge from Carlos Spencer Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Betham dominated Spencer in a clear mismatch that ended with a referee stoppage.
The 36-year-old former Warrior set up his TKO win by establishing his distance with a fast left jab before unleashing his right hand to cut his inexperienced opponent.
Spencer has fought in two previous Fight for Life events - earning a draw against Awen Guttenbeil in 2011 and defeating Jarrod McCracken a year later - but never against someone of Betham's quality.
