Horncastle Arena, Christchurch - Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (25-2, 19 KOs) came back with a fury and got back on the winning track - as knocked out Alexander Flores (17-2-1, 15 KOs) in three rounds.

While he made millions of dollars, Parker has not had tough time in 2018. He lost his WBO belt when he dropped a twelve round unanimous decison in a unification with Anthony Joshua. And then he lost a twelve round decision to Dillian Whyte.

Coming in, Flores won three fights in a row by knockout. He was knocked out by former champion Charles Martin in 2014.

Parker made good on his promise to be "meaner" in the ring - as he began very aggressive in round one, looking to make a statement. He was landing hard punches early on in the fight, with Flores initially taking the punches well to the head and body.

In the third, Parker worked the body and dropped Flores with a right hook. Flores beat the count and the contest was allowed to continue. Parker smelled blood and went for the kill, as he unleashed a combination that put Flores down and out cold.

On the undercard, heavyweight prospect Junior Fa (16-0) scored a first round knockout over Rogelio Rossu (20-7) to capture the interim-WBO Oriental heavyweight title.

Manu Vatuvei (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut with a knockout in one of Brown Buttabean (16-4).