Lupesoliai makes powerful return with T.K.O. win over Shawndell Winters

Lupesoliai Joseph Parker enjoyed a devastating fifth round knockout win over Shawndell Winters in Frisco, Texas on Sunday afternoon Samoan time, in his first fight since June 2019.

The 28-year-old heavyweight got straight into his work with the jab early winning the first three rounds.

He was able to force Winters up against the ropes, but the American did well on the inside, getting a couple of counters in and showing a strong chin.

Lupesoliai was trying to set up big right-hand power punches, and finally connected towards the end of round three, knocking Winters down with a shot to the side of the head.

The 34-year-old rebounded in the fourth though, and managed to open up a cut on Lupesoliai’s right eye with a good left hook that appeared to throw the Samoan-New Zealander off somewhat.

But it was only a matter of time before the former W.B.O heavyweight champion’s superior class and size shone through, and with 36 seconds remaining in the fifth he landed a massive right hand hook, leaving Winters dazed.

The American kept his feet despite his wavering knees, So Lupesoliai followed up with three hard shots to the chin to send Winters down and prompt the referee to declare him winner by technical knockout.

Parker wanted to put him to sleep with this shot. 😴 pic.twitter.com/p5VI75dPqU

— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) March 1, 2020

Lupesoliai had strayed somewhat from his pre-fight strategy to slow things down, but was pleased with the result regardless.

“A win’s a win,” he said in the ring afterwards.

“You get excited when you get in the ring…, wanna smash him.”

He said now it was time to relax, before fighting another two times in 2020.

“I wanna fight anyone in the top five, top ten in the world, anyone and everyone,” Lupesoliai said.