Joseph Parker decisions Carlos Takam

Over the past few years, fans have been hearing a lot about New Zealand's heavyweight prospect Joseph Parker.

Earlier this morning stateside, Parker had the first true test of his career against Carlos Takam, and his performance was a bit underwhelming to say.

Parker won a close unanimous decision but didn't exactly raise propel his stock through the roof. 

Many were hoping Parker would come in and roll over Takam, but that didn't happen. But he did get the most important thing - the win.

Parker appeared to have cardio issues throughout the fight while Takam appeared hesitant to engage Takam.

Parker is now the #1 contender to Anthony Joshua's IBO Heavyweight title.

The Heavyweight division dived into a new era last year when Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder captured the WBC title and Anthony Joshua, the current IBF king, surged  towards heavyweight gold.

Many had hopes that a new breed of fighters in the likes of Luis Ortiz, Lucas Browne, and Joseph Parker would breathe some more life into the division, but Parker's performance today was a little disappointing.

Regardless, Takam is a tough fighter, so it was a solid victory for Parker. He's now next in line for a shot at Anthony Joshua's IBO Heavyweight title, and it should make for a very entertaining fight.