Joseph Parker refused to take direct aim at referee Howard Foster after his contentious defeat to Fabio Wardley.
The New Zealander was taking a huge risk by looking to preserve his status as WBO interim champion in a dangerous fight with British heavyweight Wardley.
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Parker was stopped on his feet by referee Howard Foster, who many believe jumped in too earlyCredit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
He was ahead on the judges’ scorecards in the eleventh round despite a brutal back and forth affair.
But a huge barrage of shots from Wardley were unleashed in the penultimate stanza, with Parker throwing very little back in response to the onslaught.
The contest was then waved off in hugely controversial fashion, with Parker still trying to slip the shots and on his feet against the ropes.
Backlash was like wildfire on social media, as many from the boxing world including fans voiced their opposition to the stoppage.
Although Parker himself refused to be drawn into criticising the decision, but did believe he was able to continue when the bout was stopped.
He said: “At the end of the fight, I thought I was fine. But I’m not the one reffing the fight.
“I thought I was doing well in the fight, but I got caught, and that’s boxing. I wanted to carry on, of course.
“I’m good. Congratulations to Fabio Wardley. He’s a warrior, he’s a tough man. Hopefully we can have a rematch.
“Listen, it sucks losing a fight. I won’t sit here and pretend I’m all happy, but life goes on.
“Boxing is part of what I do, but I’m very blessed with a wife, kids and a happy family.
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Parker defiantly suggested he was okay to continue, and believes he deserves an opportunity at redemptionCredit: Queensberry
“I want to go back to them, regroup and see what’s next, but it does suck.”
Parker refused to directly criticise the referee but was open and honest in a clear indication he felt it was a poor stoppage.
What’s next for Joseph Parker?
Parker then defiantly insisted retirement is not on the cards at the age of 33, adding: “I’m going to continue to go on.
“This is just a bump in the road, and I’m still going to carry on. I felt good out there.
“I still have the fire in me, it still burns, and I guess I have to show that in the next fight.
“Hopefully a rematch [with Wardley] is next.”
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Wardley has hijacked Parker’s shot at Usyk and he will miss out for nowCredit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
Parker will now miss out on a shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, who will now be expected to face Wardley next year in a mandatory defence.
Despite making a plea for an immediate sequel, it seems unlikely with the Briton ready to cash in on his shot at the big-time.