Solomon Haumono Protests Joseph Parker's Victory

The power behind Joseph Parker's uppercut was indisputable. What happened next was a little more ambiguous.

Parker's victory over Solomon Haumono in Christchurch last night ended on a note of controversy after the Australian's camp filed an official protest, believing their fighter had beaten the count.

Haumono was knocked to the canvas in the fourth round at Horncastle Arena, seemingly counted out by referee Bruce McTavish. Although it was initially unclear whether a dazed Haumono had regained his feet before McTavish reached 10, Parker was soon awarded the 17th knockout win of a perfect 20-fight professional career.

But with the Kiwi having retained his mandatory challenger tag for the IBF heavyweight crown, Haumono's camp lodged a post-fight complaint.

Unhappy with McTavish's count and thinking he could have continued, Haumono insisted he had been "robbed of an opportunity".

"I believe I was forcing the fight, got caught with a shot, was regathering my thoughts and was ready to go on," Haumono said. "Unfortunately the referee seemed to think otherwise."

Trainer Justin Fortune was adamant his fighter had risen to his feet with the count still at eight, although he then acknowledged it was difficult to hear from his corner.

Read the full story at NZ Herald