09-22-2017, 11:42 AM
Joseph Parker: Time for talking over
Joseph Parker is tired of talking and is itching for action.
In a week of so many words, the WBO heavyweight Joseph Parker spoke the most sense when he fronted the final press conference for his title defence against Britain's Hughie Fury in Manchester on Sunday (NZT).
Looking sharp in a suit and tie as he sat in front of a large gathering of international media in a plush function room at the famous Old Trafford football ground, Parker kept it short and to the point, just like he wants his fight to be.
"What can I say, all the talk's been done. It's time to get in the ring and do my thing," the 25-year-old said when asked for his final thoughts on the fight.
"I feel ready, prepared ... I feel powerful.
"He wants to knock me out, I want to knock him out.
"The training camp is where all the hard work is done, the fight is the reward and I'm looking to getting my reward."
Both fighters claimed victory at the traditional stare down, Parker believing Fury looked scared and "took a big gulp".
Again it was just talk, though Parker did look the more relaxed in these surroundings which he's more used to, even if Fury was at the home of his beloved Manchester United.
Parker has genuinely impressed the British media and all those who have been around him over the past fortnight.
As always, he's been friendly and engaging. No one has had cause to say or write a bad word about him.
He's won them over out of the ring and now he wants to do the same inside the ropes.
It's fair to say Parker has more than a few doubters in the UK and he knows he can't convince them with his smile, but he can turn heads with his gloves.
Beating a Fury any way he can will increase his recognition in this hotbed of boxing.
Knocking out a Fury will give him the potential to earn a fortune.
Watching on was the other Fury, Hughie's larger-than-life cousin Tyson, the former world champion.
The giant smiled and shook hands but didn't want to do interviews. Usually the life and soul of these often strained affairs, he didn't want to steal this show and overshadow younger Hughie's big moment.
The only words he uttered were an acknowledgement of Parker as the Kiwi sat down ready to start proceedings.
"Looking smart Joe, looking smart mate," Tyson said, noting Parker's classy apparel.
Otherwise he was content to sit back and look and listen. He appreciated it when Parker's trainer Kevin Barry took a moment to acknowledged his presence and thank him for opening up the division.
"We've made it no secret that we would never have had this opportunity to become WBO world champion if it wasn't for him knocking off Klitschko, so we appreciate you coming today," Barry said to warm applause.
There's nothing like saluting the King in his own kingdom. Sidelined Tyson mightn't rule the world any longer, but he still presides over Manchester.
Now Prince Hughie wants to bring one of his cousin's old crowns back to the family castle.
"I'm going to put the performance of my life on," Hughie vowed, saying it was an honour to front the first sporting event at the Manchester Arena since May's terrorist attack there.
"It's my home town where I've been born and bred and my heart goes out to all the families. There's no words that can be said ... but I'm going to bring that belt back to Manchester.
"I'm so hungry and ready to put on a performance and believe me, when I say I'm going to knock him out, I'm going to knock him out."
Tough talk for what promises to be a tough fight. Now it's time to see who has the final say.
- Stuff
Joseph Parker is tired of talking and is itching for action.
In a week of so many words, the WBO heavyweight Joseph Parker spoke the most sense when he fronted the final press conference for his title defence against Britain's Hughie Fury in Manchester on Sunday (NZT).
Looking sharp in a suit and tie as he sat in front of a large gathering of international media in a plush function room at the famous Old Trafford football ground, Parker kept it short and to the point, just like he wants his fight to be.
"What can I say, all the talk's been done. It's time to get in the ring and do my thing," the 25-year-old said when asked for his final thoughts on the fight.
"I feel ready, prepared ... I feel powerful.
"He wants to knock me out, I want to knock him out.
"The training camp is where all the hard work is done, the fight is the reward and I'm looking to getting my reward."
Both fighters claimed victory at the traditional stare down, Parker believing Fury looked scared and "took a big gulp".
Again it was just talk, though Parker did look the more relaxed in these surroundings which he's more used to, even if Fury was at the home of his beloved Manchester United.
Parker has genuinely impressed the British media and all those who have been around him over the past fortnight.
As always, he's been friendly and engaging. No one has had cause to say or write a bad word about him.
He's won them over out of the ring and now he wants to do the same inside the ropes.
It's fair to say Parker has more than a few doubters in the UK and he knows he can't convince them with his smile, but he can turn heads with his gloves.
Beating a Fury any way he can will increase his recognition in this hotbed of boxing.
Knocking out a Fury will give him the potential to earn a fortune.
Watching on was the other Fury, Hughie's larger-than-life cousin Tyson, the former world champion.
The giant smiled and shook hands but didn't want to do interviews. Usually the life and soul of these often strained affairs, he didn't want to steal this show and overshadow younger Hughie's big moment.
The only words he uttered were an acknowledgement of Parker as the Kiwi sat down ready to start proceedings.
"Looking smart Joe, looking smart mate," Tyson said, noting Parker's classy apparel.
Otherwise he was content to sit back and look and listen. He appreciated it when Parker's trainer Kevin Barry took a moment to acknowledged his presence and thank him for opening up the division.
"We've made it no secret that we would never have had this opportunity to become WBO world champion if it wasn't for him knocking off Klitschko, so we appreciate you coming today," Barry said to warm applause.
There's nothing like saluting the King in his own kingdom. Sidelined Tyson mightn't rule the world any longer, but he still presides over Manchester.
Now Prince Hughie wants to bring one of his cousin's old crowns back to the family castle.
"I'm going to put the performance of my life on," Hughie vowed, saying it was an honour to front the first sporting event at the Manchester Arena since May's terrorist attack there.
"It's my home town where I've been born and bred and my heart goes out to all the families. There's no words that can be said ... but I'm going to bring that belt back to Manchester.
"I'm so hungry and ready to put on a performance and believe me, when I say I'm going to knock him out, I'm going to knock him out."
Tough talk for what promises to be a tough fight. Now it's time to see who has the final say.
- Stuff