Joseph Parker outpointed fellow New Zealander Junior Fa in Auckland — just hours before the city was due to be plunged into lockdown. 

Tighter restrictions are set to be imposed once again from Sunday morning after a new local case of coronavirus emerged. 

But that did not stop Parker and Fa putting on a show in front of 12,000 fans at the Spark Arena, with all three judges scoring the fight in favour of the former WBO world heavyweight champion.

Parker, who was told about the impending lockdown while having his hands wrapped, said: "It was a tough night. Junior and his team did a great job — they came here to fight. 

"It was a lot closer than we expected. He put on a great, great performance."

Chisora waiting in the wings

Parker, 29, is expected to face popular Brit Derek Chisora next as he bids to box his way into contention for a world title shot.

But he refused to be drawn on future plans when interviewed in the ring immediately after dealing with the previously undefeated 31-year-old Fa.

Parker (pictured above) added: "It just shows the ring rust from both fighters not being in the ring for over a year. 

"I’m just glad we were able to have this fight before going into lockdown. Thank you everyone for coming — I hope you enjoyed it."

"It was a lot closer than we expected. He put on a great, great performance Joseph Parker on fellow Kiwi Junior Fa

Speaking to Sky Sports following Parker's victory, Chisora was slightly more forthcoming. 

Del Boy, 37, said: "If we can get Parker this year, in the next couple of months, we'd be happy for that. Right now we are in talks about the fight to be in London.

"Parker did what he needed to win [against Fa]. This was his comeback fight after a year out. He's just getting into his stride so we'll see what happens.

"The fight was not great. The simple reason for that was they didn't spar a lot. 

"They were not in shape, they didn't train hard enough. There was no fear factor for both of them."