Joseph Parker’s promoters, Duco Events, are planning to show evidence to organizations of a headbutt in the second round of the New Zealander’s loss to Dillian Whyte, which apparently cost the former world heavyweight champion a draw.
Following a pulsating twelve rounds of action, in which Whyte scored a bonafide knockdown in the ninth, and Parker almost ended the fight in the final round, a clear headbutt was counted by referee Ian John Lewis in the second session.
Parker argued for winning that round after Whyte’s slow start, which led to David Higgins potentially lobbying for a rematch.
The FINAL WBN Scorecard:
“It’s clear that the clash of heads in the second round had a significant impact on the fight,” said Duco in a statement.
“In terms of the scorecards and Joseph’s performance in the middle rounds (the headbutt made a big difference).
“In light of clear evidence of a significant error by the officials, there is a legitimate question as to whether the result should stand.
“That’s a question Duco will be asking the sanctioning bodies on Joseph’s behalf.”
ALTERNATIVE Scorecard with Parker winning the second round:
Parker vs Whyte scorecards
Judging by the scorecards, Parker fully warrants raising the question, although Whyte has seemingly already moved on from the triumph.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Whyte said he’ll now target a fight with the winner of Manuel Charr v Fres Oquendo in September.
“I want either Fury or Charr next,” Whyte told Sky Sports. “Charr has the WBA belt, so why not? It’s a good fight; he’s a great fighter and will come to fight. Whether he wants it is a different story, but I know I do, and it can be made.
“It’s time I got a shot,” he added.
Whether the WBC or WBO, who had regional titles on the line, will move to order a return is unclear as Whyte aims to move forward.
Without Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua in the frame for 2018, Whyte could be best served considering a second helping with Parker as Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn would be guaranteed another Sky Box Office appearance for ‘The Bodysnatcher.”
Packing the O2 Arena for what was one of the shows of the year so far would mean a rematch for October or November is nailed on to do the same, with final eliminator status also a possibility for the winner to then face-off against Joshua at Wembley in April.
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