Australian heavyweight boxer Solomon Haumono has launched a formal protest after being controversially knocked out by New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker in Christchurch last night.
Joseph Parker floored Solomon Haumono in the fourth round. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Veteran New Zealand Referee Bruce McTavish called an end to the fight in the fourth round after Parker floored Haumono, a former National Rugby League player, with an uppercut.
However, Haumono and his team feel the ref called the fight early.
"You know I was forcing the fight, I got caught with a shot, I regathered my thoughts and was ready to go again however the referee thought otherwise and this is the problem we have."
"The ref asked me if I was well and what was going on and I was fresh and ready by the time he was counting early counts, and I was well before ten."
Parker stopped Haumono with a swift uppercut to secure his 20th professional win.
Parker had most of the control in the first three rounds while Haumono was unable to load up his notorious right hand.
Joseph Parker and Solomon Haumono square off in Christchurch. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The victory is Parker's 17th by way of knockout.
The win means Parker holds onto his mandatory challenge for the IBF world title which he will contest against British boxer Anthony Joshua either later this year or early next year.
-RNZ
