Dillian Whyte was awarded a unanimous points victory over Joseph Parker last night at London’s O2 Arena in a back-and-forth affair which featured three knock-downs.

After twice flooring former WBO champion Parker, Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) came perilously close to losing the bout after a flurry of late combination punches thrown by the New Zealander in the final round.

Whyte spoke to Sky Sports News on Sunday morning reflecting on his victory, and was visibly still delighted with last night's performance.

“Parker fights fast in the first two or three rounds then settles into a rhythm.

“It was a very good learning fight, probably the most I’ve learned from any fight.

“I put him down, he’s a tough guy so I tried to relax. The dog inside of me said ‘go for the kill’. The smart boxer in me said: ‘he might not be as badly hurt as you think, so get behind your jab’.

“I thought: ‘what the heck, let’s have a go’. But I got put down in the last round.

“I got hurt. I’ve been hurt before and carried on slugging it out. But I was experienced this time. I thought: ‘do the right thing, take the knee and compose yourself’.

“There is another 35 or 40 percent to come. Still more physical and mental development to do.

“I’m ticking all the boxes, slowly but surely.”

In the penultimate fight of the night, Dereck ‘Del Boy’ Chisora provided another surprise twist in his entertaining career with a brilliant, eighth-round knockout against Carlos Takam, who lasted 10 rounds against Anthony Joshua in October last year.

Paris-based Takam looked to be heading towards a points victory over ‘Del Boy’, who absorbed considerable punishment before finding the strength to land two big right hands that twice floored his opponent.

Chisora put in the performance of his career-to-date, leading to calls for a rematch with Whyte, who won their first meeting in 2016 by split decision.

“Right now there’s bigger and better fish to fry.

"The donkey is always there, always hoping for a ride,” Whyte told Sky Sports News earlier today.

“I want to fight Anthony Joshua again, and Deontay Wilder also. But if these fights aren’t around, I’ll just keep on fighting. There are good fights out there. November or December? We’ll see what’s what.

“I’ve been through the mill. I’ve done everything I can possibly do to get a world title shot. I’ve been patient. I’ve taken fights on the road, taken learning fights. Now it’s time for me to get what I deserve. I’m a massive risk for the champions and they don’t fancy it.”