Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker has successfully defended his WBO world heavyweight title for the first time, defeating Romanian Razvan Cojanu by unanimous verdict in possibly his last fight on home soil.

Despite holding the upper hand for almost the entire fight, the 25-year-old struggled to land the killer blow on Cojanu, who spent much of the fight niggling Parker and engaging in gamesmanship and taunting.

Parker's body blows were particularly effective, finding little resistance from the languid Romanian, but he never looked likely to knock out his opponent.

Only towards the end of the bout did Cojanu show any gumption, edging out the final two rounds with thumping hook shots and increased endeavour.