The undefeated Wbo champion Joseph Parker entered this fight with a perfect boxing record of 22-0-0 (18 KOs=82%) and he is ranked as the No.7 heavyweight in the world (currently the #1 in this division is Anthony Joshua). He fought five times last year beating Alexander Dimitrenko (=Parker vs Dimitrenko) and Andy Ruiz Jr in his last two (=Parker vs Ruiz Jr).
His opponent, Razvan Cojanu (who replaces Hughie Fury), has an official record of 16-2-0 (9 knockouts) and he entered as the No.78 in the same weight class. He lost to Donovan Dennis in 2015 (=Dennis vs Cojanu) but then he has won three bouts. Joseph Parker vs Razvan Cojanu is valid for the WBO World heavyweight title (Parker’s first defense). Watch the video and rate this fight!
Date: 2017-05-06
Where: Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau City, New Zealand
Division: heavyweight (over 200 lbs, 90.7 kg)
Title: WBO World heavyweight title
Parker’s previous fight: Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz Jr
Parker’s next fight: Joseph Parker vs Hughie Fury
Cojanu’s next fight: Luis Ortiz vs Razvan Cojanu
Parker vs Cojanu Fight Video:
(Free embeddable video hosted on Youtube and not uploaded by AllTheBestFights)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pWYCWPB88Y
Differences in size and boxing capabilities were very big. Cojanu’s fighting plan from the very beginning was bothering Parker by talking, gesturing, and some dirty grabbing. On the first few rounds he was rewarded since Parker lost his composure which was regained as the fight progressed. Anyhow, Cojanu, a decent technician with a very good chin was overwhelmed by a faster boxer with much better boxing skills. Parker did well combining his frequent punches to the head with an equal number aiming to the body.
I did not appreciate the fight, so I’m glad you provided this fine analysis, Tango. I watched three rounds and then fast-forwarded to the end.
Parker’s speed is his saving grace. I don’t see footwork, strategy or world-class power. Comparing him to the cream of the division, I would pick AJ, Ortiz and even the bum-fed Wilder over him in fights at this stage. Maybe he can develop further. What’s your view of his future?
On sunday nights, when I want to fall asleep quickly, I have myself an herbal tea, then I watch a russian broadcast of a Parker fight.
Arjay Cee: Agree with you that Parker’s best quality is his punching speed which is a major asset for this category, He is also a very good technician and good counter puncher. However, he is facing a very tough competition and his reach isn’t the best for this category. He may be able to win over Wilder because the lack of confidence he shown in some of his latest bouts. However, to beat Joshua,Ortiz and Klitchsko as well it would be almost “mission impossible” unless these guys run out of gas. Even Fury would be for Parker a very hard bone to digest. He could stay in the top 10 but has to be very careful when choosing his rivals. I don’t think he would be able to reach stardom being in the near future the heavy weight world champion.
Klitchko.. if you want to fight and win a belt and tune up for a rematch with Joshua here you go, you will win 120-108 i saw nothing to make be believe parker could lay a hand on klitchko. and im not a big klitchko fan, i just see nothing in parker to make me see any Chance he would beat the top 4 guys, i dont even think he would be competitive, Ill have to go watch previous fights because after that i just dont understand how he won a title at all.
I don’t believe Klitschko needs a tune up fight at this late stage of his career. Joshua’s manager Eddie Hear already said he wanted a rematch right away and I believe this is what’s gonna happen. Both sides will make as much or more money than in the first fight and after that, the winner (Joshua) will fight Wilder or Fury.