10-08-2018, 09:44 AM
High stakes for Joseph Parker as he looks to finally crack US market
Duncan Johnstone
Joseph Parker's full focus is on getting a dominant win at his December fight in Christchurch.
Joseph Parker is eyeing the resurgent American market as he looks to fight his way back to the top of the heavyweight division.
Parker's comeback from two frustrating losses starts in the humble settings of Christchurch's Horncastle Arena on December 15.
It's a long way from the 80,000 crowd in Cardiff or the glitz of London but the 26-year-old hopes it's a stepping stone back to greatness.
Joseph Parker had a torrid battle with Dillian Whyte but came up just short in London to drop his record to 24-2.
He's adamant he's still relevant to a heated division, despite being beaten by Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
And while there's still mutual appeal for Parker and Great Britain, he knows big things are starting to happen for heavyweights in the US.
Deontay Wilder's clash with Tyson Fury in Los Angeles in December brings the focus back state-side but it's Eddie Hearns US$1b eight-year deal with DANZ, dubbed the Netflix of sport, that has Parker rubbing his hands.
The groundwork of doing two hugely successful UK deals with Hearn over the past year has Parker well placed with the outspoken British promoter needing top talent to fuel his ambitious US venture.
Joseph Parker and his promoter David Higgins know big opportunities beckon if the New Zealand heavyweight can get back to his winning ways.
"I think boxing is going to change with Eddie Hearn opening an office in the US and being able to put on big shows there," Parker told Stuff.
"He has good backers. He's happy to work with Duco, myself and Kevin (Barry). Our teams get along well, there is mutual respect and we have a great working relationship."
For a fighter who has trained out of Las Vegas since 2013, Parker has only dipped his toes in the US market. He has fought there just twice for victories early in a 26-fight professional career.
But he believes he has made a name to get some fame on bigger stages there.
"Now that we have established ourselves, we just have to find the right place, the right time and the right opponent and then try our best to make our mark there.
"I think the UK is great but there is the US now as well."
Parker doesn't want to get ahead of himself though. He has to take care of business in Christchurch and knows a third loss could be terminal.
"I have to perform well, very well. If I don't then maybe we will have to sit back as a team and decide whether it's appropriate or not to carry on.
"But I don't have any doubts, I know I can do it again. It's a hot division, it's exciting. We belong at the top and we just have to keep proving that now.
"I feel hungrier than ever. I feel like this is a fresh start. People write you off and say you should retire, and question your hunger ... but there are goals of being two-time champion, a unified champion. That's still an active goal. I've given myself five years to achieve that and I think we can."
Parker says he's motivated by a new pressure enveloping him at this career crossroads.
"I think pressure because people want to see if there are improvements, if we have adjusted a few things, have we done things to be better? As I said, I think we belong at the top, now it's about climbing back. It's like starting again, but with the benefit of a lot of knowledge, it's a rebuild."
Parker is open to improvements and wants to pick up on the offer of advice from one of his idols, former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis who believes Parker, like he did himself, needs to make some adjustments to succeed in the next phase of his career.
Parker would like to see that happen at his Vegas training camp which starts this week. He hasn't discussed this with his trainer Kevin Barry, but doesn't see it as a slight on the veteran Kiwi coach.
"I'm a big fan of Lennox Lewis. It doesn't hurt to have a chat and see what he thinks we can improve on. Kev is a great coach, he shouldn't be intimidated. But for me ... someone like my idol giving feedback and wanting me to adjust a few things to improve, that's awesome."
Parker's next opponent is still be confirmed with Duco boss David Higgins in discussions with three options.
"I don't care who I fight. Look, I'd love to rematch Dillian Whyte again. But I understand there's a process we have to go through. I have to climb again. I just want to fight someone who is good, who will bring the best they have and will challenge me," Parker said.
Stuff
Duncan Johnstone
Joseph Parker's full focus is on getting a dominant win at his December fight in Christchurch.
Joseph Parker is eyeing the resurgent American market as he looks to fight his way back to the top of the heavyweight division.
Parker's comeback from two frustrating losses starts in the humble settings of Christchurch's Horncastle Arena on December 15.
It's a long way from the 80,000 crowd in Cardiff or the glitz of London but the 26-year-old hopes it's a stepping stone back to greatness.
Joseph Parker had a torrid battle with Dillian Whyte but came up just short in London to drop his record to 24-2.
He's adamant he's still relevant to a heated division, despite being beaten by Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
And while there's still mutual appeal for Parker and Great Britain, he knows big things are starting to happen for heavyweights in the US.
Deontay Wilder's clash with Tyson Fury in Los Angeles in December brings the focus back state-side but it's Eddie Hearns US$1b eight-year deal with DANZ, dubbed the Netflix of sport, that has Parker rubbing his hands.
The groundwork of doing two hugely successful UK deals with Hearn over the past year has Parker well placed with the outspoken British promoter needing top talent to fuel his ambitious US venture.
Joseph Parker and his promoter David Higgins know big opportunities beckon if the New Zealand heavyweight can get back to his winning ways.
"I think boxing is going to change with Eddie Hearn opening an office in the US and being able to put on big shows there," Parker told Stuff.
"He has good backers. He's happy to work with Duco, myself and Kevin (Barry). Our teams get along well, there is mutual respect and we have a great working relationship."
For a fighter who has trained out of Las Vegas since 2013, Parker has only dipped his toes in the US market. He has fought there just twice for victories early in a 26-fight professional career.
But he believes he has made a name to get some fame on bigger stages there.
"Now that we have established ourselves, we just have to find the right place, the right time and the right opponent and then try our best to make our mark there.
"I think the UK is great but there is the US now as well."
Parker doesn't want to get ahead of himself though. He has to take care of business in Christchurch and knows a third loss could be terminal.
"I have to perform well, very well. If I don't then maybe we will have to sit back as a team and decide whether it's appropriate or not to carry on.
"But I don't have any doubts, I know I can do it again. It's a hot division, it's exciting. We belong at the top and we just have to keep proving that now.
"I feel hungrier than ever. I feel like this is a fresh start. People write you off and say you should retire, and question your hunger ... but there are goals of being two-time champion, a unified champion. That's still an active goal. I've given myself five years to achieve that and I think we can."
Parker says he's motivated by a new pressure enveloping him at this career crossroads.
"I think pressure because people want to see if there are improvements, if we have adjusted a few things, have we done things to be better? As I said, I think we belong at the top, now it's about climbing back. It's like starting again, but with the benefit of a lot of knowledge, it's a rebuild."
Parker is open to improvements and wants to pick up on the offer of advice from one of his idols, former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis who believes Parker, like he did himself, needs to make some adjustments to succeed in the next phase of his career.
Parker would like to see that happen at his Vegas training camp which starts this week. He hasn't discussed this with his trainer Kevin Barry, but doesn't see it as a slight on the veteran Kiwi coach.
"I'm a big fan of Lennox Lewis. It doesn't hurt to have a chat and see what he thinks we can improve on. Kev is a great coach, he shouldn't be intimidated. But for me ... someone like my idol giving feedback and wanting me to adjust a few things to improve, that's awesome."
Parker's next opponent is still be confirmed with Duco boss David Higgins in discussions with three options.
"I don't care who I fight. Look, I'd love to rematch Dillian Whyte again. But I understand there's a process we have to go through. I have to climb again. I just want to fight someone who is good, who will bring the best they have and will challenge me," Parker said.
Stuff