Joe Joyce became the first man to stop Joseph Parker as he booked his ticket to a world title showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
The heavyweight rivals put their reputations on the line in Manchester in what was effectively a winner-takes-all affair. The victor would be in pole position to take on Usyk next year with the beaten man left to feed on scraps.
And it was Joyce who imposed his size advantage on the smaller man from the opening bell as he wore Parker down before dropping and stopping his rival in the penultimate round. "What a fighter and what a fight," Joyce said. "It was a tough fight, he's improved and what a tough fight. I really enjoyed it and I had to dig deep to get through the rounds."
Joyce stalked Parker around the ring in the opening round as he looked to land the jab with which he enjoyed so much success against Daniel Dubois two years ago. In response, Parker used his speed to double up his lead hand before looking to land the overhand right.
It was Joyce, weighing a stone more than this rival, who had the power advantage in the second round as he shrugged off Parker's attacks while his own forays forward saw the visitor's left eye begin to mark up. And Joyce began to impose himself in the third round as he hurt Parker early - but the New Zealander responded well in the final seconds to bring the watching Tyson Fury to his feet.
Joyce had the edge throughout the fourth round before being forced to absorb a right hand flush on his chin as Parker landed his best shot of the night. Parker began to look tired during the fifth session, perhaps frustrated at Joyce's seemingly granite chin.
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Joyce made a fast start to the sixth round as he pinned Parker in the corner and peppered his rival. The former world champion attempted to answer back but was instead being overpowered. It was Joyce's fight to lose as it entered the second half and he continued to dominate, leaving Parker bloodied from a cut over his right eye.
The Kiwi attempted to rally in the eighth round but his successes were too few and far between as Joyce sensed a stoppage was within reach. Parker was refusing to go quietly however, and reminded Joyce he was still in the fight with an improved ninth round.
Joyce continued to live up to his 'Juggernaut' nickname in the 10th round although Parker may have caught the judges' eyes with a late flourish. But Joyce made sure of victory when a left hook sent Parker to the canvas in instalments with the beaten man counted out by the referee.
