Joyce and Parker weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight fight in Manchester
Two of the top 10 heavyweights in the world will collide at the AO Arena in Manchester tonight (24 September), as Joe Joyce welcomes Joseph Parker back to Britain for a highly-anticipated main-event fight.
Since winning silver for Team GB at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Joyce has compiled an unbeaten professional record of 14-0, knocking out 13 of his opponents along the way. Joyce has therefore been wasting no time in trying to become a world champion, which has been ideal for the 37-year-old, whose reputation as an up-and-comer belies his age. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Parker is 30-2 as a pro, with his only defeats having come against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in back-to-back bouts in 2018, both on British soil as the home fighters outpointed the 30-year-old.
Parker’s last two outings also took place in Britain, as the Kiwi beat Derek Chisora via split decision then by unanimous decision in May and December 2021. Joyce, meanwhile, has fought more recently, stopping Christian Hammer in the fourth round this July. The WBO interim heavyweight title is on the line in this evening’s main event, with Parker and Joyce both taking a considerable risk by facing one another.
Plus, in a huge co-main event, unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano puts her titles on the line against Sarah Mahfoud. Follow live updates and results from Joyce vs Parker and its undercard, below.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
One fight left! Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker for the vacant WBO interim heavyweight title.
Joe Joyce (left) puts his unbeaten record on the line against Joseph Parker
(Action Images via Reuters)
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Amanda Serrano def. Sarah Mahfoud via unanimous decision (99-92, 97-93, 97-93).
Serrano retains her featherweight titles and adds another belt to her collection!
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
We’ll wait for the judges’ scorecards...
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 10
Final round! Serrano is stalking Mahfoud, who has landed with greater success over the last few frames and has reddened the face of Serrano.
A right cross connects for Mahfoud as she beats the Puerto Rican to the punch. But Serrano comes back with a heavy hook to the body.
Another fine spell from Mahfoud to close out the fighter, however.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 9
Penultimate round.
Lots of movement from Serrano. She drives a left straight into the ribs of Mahfoud.
The champion then wings a left hook, but Mahfoud is out of range. Good head movement from Serrano as Mahfoud looks to fire back.
A fine flurry from Mahfoud in the closing moments! She stings the champion with a right straight!
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 8
A stinging jab gets through for Serrano, who then looks for the left cross repeatedly.
A nice counter jab then lands for Serrano after she slips a one-two from Mahfoud.
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Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 7
A left straight lands for Serrano, now a right. The champion then swings a left hook into the body of Mahfoud.
Mahfoud needs to be more positive; her jab alone will not win this fight.
More heavy body hooks from Serrano.
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Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 6
Mahfoud looks to get on the front foot. She’s not throwing much more than her jab, though, and Serrano is usually out of range.
Serrano was looking for counter shots, but now she’s beginning to assert herself again.
Joyce vs Parker LIVE
Serrano vs Mahfoud – Round 5
Some decent jabs from Mahfoud as she’s backed up, but Serrano is showing the Faroese-Dane little respect, marching the challenger down incessantly.
A right hook connects to the face of Mahfoud. Good range management and head movement from Serrano, too.