Anthony Mundine vs John Wayne Parr: Parr wins split decision

Fight report John Wayne Parr and Anthony Mundine can both retire happy after putting on an entertaining fight at the Brisbane Convention Centre tonight. Both veterans gave their all over 10 rounds, but in the end it was JWP that came away with a split decision victory: 94-95, 96-93 and 95-93. The fight followed a similar pattern over each of the ten rounds: JWP relentlessly stalking Mundine and throwing plenty of leather to often pin him against the ropes. Mundine countered with some clean boxing shots whenever he could, but it was JWP’s work rate and punching power that earned him more rounds. He put Mundine down through the ropes in Round 4 with a right hand, but Mundine recovered to see out the round. Mundine was deducted a point in Round 8 by the referee for a punch to the back of Parr's head. JWP has highly emotional after the fight, confirming that it would be his last ever bout of any kind. The 10-time Muay Thai world champion has been fighting since he was 11 years old, so he’s well and truly earned the right to put his feet up. He was classy in victory, praising Mundine for his sporting achievements. Despite the loss, Mundine left the ring on his feet after a wholehearted effort. That's a better ending than his 1st round KO defeat at the hands of Jeff Horn in his previous fight a year ago at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. He's 44 now, so it's certainly time to hang up the gloves. Love him or hate him, you can't argue that he's had a great career over 25 years in two very punishing sports: rugby league and boxing.

Parr all class in victory, paying tribute to Mundine's career.

Parr in tears in the ring.

Split decison for JWP! 94-95, 96-93, 95-93

We're now waiting for the official decision.

Round 10 Parr still chasing Mundine but Mundine is able to evade him and land some clean shots of his own. He outboxed JWP that round as Parr tired, but it was too little too late for mine. The bout ends with both fighters trading leather. Should be a JWP points victory, especially with the knockdown and a point deduction for Mundine.

Round 9 Both throwing plenty of leather early, JWP knows no other way and Mundine knows he'll need a big finish to snatch this fight. Another close round, it's been a very willing fight, but JWP's workrate again gets it for mine. Both fighters head to the corner looking tired.

Round 8 Same pattern in that round. JWP relentless with his pressure, and Mundine landing some clean jabs. A point taken off Mundine for a punch to the back of the head! That was another close round that could have gone either way, but the point deduction was crucial.

Round 7 Good right early from JWP as Mundine is again against the ropes. He fights his way out and they both trade in centre ring. JWP again back Mundine up to the ropes, throwing plenty but Mundine responds with a flurry! Both fighters are having a real go here. That was a close round that could go either way. Possibly Mundine for some cleaner shots.

Round 6 Parr again stalking Mundine, chasing him all around the ring and throwing leather. He's missing as many as he's landing, but Mundine is only landing the odd clean jab. Parr is cut over his right eye, but that's another round for JWP round for his workrate.

Round 5 Parr keeps pouring on the pressure early but Mundine steadies himself and looks to have his legs back. Starts working his jab again but Parr is relentless with his pressure. Mundine responds with a late flurry. That was a close round. Could go either way, but again I'd give it to Parr for his higher workrate.

Round 4 Mundine makes it to the bell, a 10-8 JWP round with the knockdown. Parr put Mundine threw the ropes with a right hand! Mundine up by the count of 8.

Round 4 Mundine back up, 20 seconds to survive!