As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Alexander Dimitrenko has vowed to challenge the decision in Saturday night's controversial bout between him and New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker.

Parker won by technical knockout in the third round after dropping Dimitrenko multiple times. The final blow from Parker came while Dimitrenko had one of his knees on the canvas which is against the rules.

Canadian referee Marlon Wright, who was standing behind Parker when the final flurry of punches were thrown, counted out Dimitrenko as he writhed in apparent agony on the canvas clutching his left ribs.

Dimitrenko said it was a cheap shot from Parker.

"I am angry because I was down with my knee on the ground and he hit me. He pushed me (down) and then he hit me," Dimitrenko said. "I didn't see this punch. If you don't see the punch, it is even more dangerous.

"Of course I am angry and I told this to the referee. He told me 'I didn't see, sorry, it's OK'. I will (protest). The supervisor is here and I will do this (protest), it is my right. I'm disappointed the way the fight ended."

Dimitrenko's challenge looks likely to fall on deaf ears, with the bout officials claiming last night they were happy with the decision and they believe there's no room for protest.

WBO Australia representative Danny Leigh backed Parker in the controversy or lack of.

"I watched the fight live and on a replay and it looked to me as if Dimitrenko copped a flogging and was looking for a way out," Leigh told the Herald. "I don't think he fooled [referee] Marlon [Wright] in any way.

"In that regard I don't see it as a controversy. If the fight had been a competitive fight... but it wasn't like that. I saw it as a guy looking for a way out, he [referee] called him on it. The guy was rolling around like he was [a footballer] in a penalty box trying to get a penalty."

Leigh attended the fight but wasn't in a supervisory role and said he wasn't speaking in an official role. But in his opinion the fight, awarded to Parker by TKO, a result which extends the heavyweight's undefeated professional record to 21 victories, was clear-cut.

"He was bashed from pillar to post," Leigh said of the 2.01m Dimitrenko. "It wasn't a competitive fight. I think a controversy would be the other way. I think we were lucky to have a very competent and experienced professional, internationally, in there. A lesser referee might have been fooled.

"You can slow it down and ask did a punch land while he had a knee down, but in the heat of the moment he made the right decision. We were lucky to have Marlon there."