Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker: Live updates, round-by-round scoring, results

Live results: Joseph Parker won MD-12 over Zhilei Zhang (113-113, 114-112, 115-111), Parker wins WBO interim heavyweight title

The interim WBO heavyweight title is on the line as defending champion Zhilei Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) takes on Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) this Friday, March 8. The title fight will serve as the co-main event of DAZN’s “Knockout Chaos” card live from Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.

Zhang defeated Joe Joyce twice in 2023, earning stoppage wins both times. The 40-year-old southpaw is somewhat of a “boogeyman” in the division, as his last four wins have come by knockout. “Big Bang” Zhang knows another stellar outing come Friday will inch him closer toward a major world title opportunity.

Parker earned The Ring “Comeback of the Year” honors last year for his performance against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Winning by a convincing unanimous decision capped off a 4-0 year for the former WBO titleholder. Now, he gets a chance at the title again.

Zhang comes into the bout as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -230 favorite while Parker is a +180 underdog.

6:02 p.m. ET update: Zhang and Parker each made their opening ringwalks, we’re moments away from round 1!

Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker round-by-round results

Round 1: Zhang 10-9

Slow start as both fighters examining each other’s style. Tons of faints one-minute into the fight. Left to the body for Zhang. Parker looking poised though.

Round 2: Zhang 10-9 (Zhang 20-18)

Right hook to the body misses for Parker. Right hand from Zhang sends Parker off balance momentarily. Nice left upstairs from Parker. Zhang taking his time and choosing when to throw. Parker bracing for a Zhang attack.

Round 3: Zhang 10-8 (Zhang 30-26)

Right hook to the body from Parker. Double left jab from Zhang stops Parker in his tracks. A little pause in action as both fighters faint each other out. Big Bang ends it with a MASSIVE left hand and down goes Parker. Oh my! He beats the 10 seconds count but Zhang is in the driver’s seat here what a punch.

Round 4: Parker 10-9 (Zhang 39-36)

Zhang strikes again and Parker is now noticeably bleeding. Zhang looks like he hasn’t broken a sweat. Parker searching for some offense and lands a nice hook. Nice one-two from Parker but gets a warning about a low blow. Right hand from Parker sends Zhang off balance. Best attacking round from the challenger here, but not sure he wants to exchange with the 291-pound Zhang.

Round 5: Parker 10-9 (Zhang 48-46)

Parker standing well through the adversity, but feeling like Zhang may be tuning up for a knockout. Nice combos from Parker again. Zhang might be recharging for a few to plant another power punch or two.

Round 6: Parker 10-9 (Zhang 57-56)

More fainting this round and Parker on the defense anticipating another Zhang haymaker. Silent and hard round to judge. Both men look a bit gassed and trying to play the counter punch game.

Round 7: Zhang 10-9 (Zhang 67-65)

Zhang hurts Parker again with a short left hand. Solid combinations from Parker but he’s clenching once Zhang tries to punch back. Short right hand hits Parker again.

Round 8: Zhang 10-8 (Zhang 77-73)

Big right hand from Parker and Zhang not really hurt from it. Oh my another short right hook and Parker takes a knee again! He beats the count and Zhang now has a two knockdown advantage in this fight.

Round 9: Parker 10-9 (Zhang 86-83)

Parker more busy but the power of Zhang on full display. Zhang just absorbing all the punches from Parker.

Round 10: Parker 10-9 (Zhang 95-93)

Parker content with trading but being down with the knockdowns not helping his cause. Zhang can pay conservative and win off of the strength of the knockdowns. That seems to be his strategy. Parker trying but his combos not hurting Zhang. More busy fighter earns the nod, but Zhang’s one punch ability carrying the fight.

Round 11: Parker 10-9 (Zhang 104-103)

Zhang protecting up front and Parker looking for a power punch. Lead jab from Parker misses. Zhang lands well on the inside. Zhang is GASSED, but once again Parker can’t seem to cash in. This will be an interesting trio of scores from the judges.

Round 12: Parker 10-9 (113-113, DRAW)

Zhang on dead legs, jab from him misses. Parker lands a straight right. Tentative from Zhang. Not much from either, commentators seem to have crowned Parker new champion but to the cards we go!