Joseph Parker dominated Alexander Dimitrenko as expected earlier today, but the finish was anything but typical.
After scoring three knockdowns on rapid combinations in the first two rounds, Parker (21-0, 18 KO) was well in control against the overmatched "Sascha." Late in the third, Dimitrenko (38-3, 24 KO) tied up and went down to a knee. Parker, who after the fight claimed he didn’t see that his knee was down, thumped him with a right to the body before the referee broke things up.
That’s when things got stupid.
Dimitrenko flopped around like a post-RJJ Virgil Hill, writhing in one of the most blatant flops since Adrien Broner’s masterpiece against Marcos Maidana. His hopes of a DQ win were dashed by referee Marlon Wright, who summarily counted him out.
You can see all four knockdowns here, as well as the pair’s post-fight comments.
The win was originally meant to set up a clash with Anthony Joshua in the latter’s first title defense. With Joshua pursuing Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury’s belts in jeopardy, however, Parker’s handlers are discussing pitting him against American flake Andy Ruiz Jr. for the WBO title.
Good luck with that one, guys.