Joseph Parker has had to relinquish his world champion status after the New Zealand boxer suffered a unanimous decision defeat to British superstar Anthony Joshua.
Anthony Joshua (R) of Great Britain exchanges blows with Joseph Parker (L) of New Zealand during their heavyweight unification bout at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, March 31, 2018. Photo: AFP
Joshua proved too good for his Kiwi-Samoan rival over the full 12 rounds in front of an adoring 78,000-strong crowd at the Principality Stadium.
It was the first time the 28-year-old Englishman has gone the distance in his professional career. Prior to facing a previously unbeaten Parker, Joshua had knocked out all 20 men he had faced.
Two judges scored the fight 118-110 and the other had it 119-109 for the hometown fighter.
Already the WBA and IBF world title holder heading into the clash, the hugely popular Brit added the WBO belt previously held by Parker to his collection.
The victory also sets Joshua up for a blockbuster encounter with undefeated American Deontay Wilder, who holds the only other major belt in the division, the WBC crown.
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While disappointed to lose, Parker is estimated to earn around $NZ13 million from the fight and the loss is far from the end of his road.
Boxing's glamour division currently has several notable contenders and a meeting with one of them could well be on the horizon for the New Zealander.
While Parker was busy with his jab throughout and moved and defended well, Joshua used his superior reach expertly and was also the fighter coming forward throughout the majority of the bout.
The South Aucklander showed off his speed and strong chin but was simply unable to get away more than one power punch at a time, allowing the Brit to score more freely with the judges.
IBF and WBA world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua of Great Britain enters the ring for his unification bout against New Zealand's WBO champion Joseph Parker at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, March 31, 2018. Photo: AFP
Neither fighter, given the fight's wiley nature, landed any truly significant blows, but both had to absorb a handful of good shots during the middle stages.
Also notable was the referee's tendency to quickly break the pair up any time they came in a clinch.
Parker, disadvantaged in the reach stakes, could well have been keen to exchange more frequently in close.
Speaking from Cardiff, RNZ's Clay Wilson said ultimately the win came down to the UK fighter's reach.
"Joshua, with a 15cm reach advantage, just used that to keep Parker away. Joshua also the the fighter coming forward a lot more.
"But certainly a valiant effort from Parker."
The two fighters have an agreement to meet again.