[1] Speculation grew that Cojanu would be the replacement opponent for Joseph Parker's first world title defence after the controversial withdrawal of Hughie Fury.

Cojanu was involved in Parker's training camp in Las Vegas for the aborted fight with Fury.

[3] Parker was determined to make a statement but couldn't manage that as he left his New Zealand campaign in a convincing unanimous decision.

American referee Mike Ortega deducted a point against Cojanu in the fourth round due to repeatedly pushing down the neck of Parker during the clinches.

But Parker's ability to keep disciplined in a fight that involved trash talk, flying elbows, clinches and head holds got him the win comfortably.