Crusaders coach presents jersey to Joseph Parker ahead of Christchurch bout

Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker linked up with back-to-back Super Rugby champions the Crusaders in Christchurch today while preparing for his fight against Mexican-American boxer Alexander Flores on Saturday.

Coach Scott Robertson presented Parker with a Crusaders jersey during their pre-season boxing training at Christchurch's Round 12 Gym.

"It is a real pleasure on behalf of the Crusaders to present you with a Crusaders jersey. We're a really proud organisation and we've got a lot of history," Robertson said.

"Just like you, you're creating your own history. We have followed your story and it is a real inspiration for us – something to draw on.

"No only are you a great boxer but you are a real inspiration to the boys and, more importantly, you are a good man. And you do a lot for your community."

Parker has lost his last two bouts, going down to Anthony Joshua by a points decision loss in April in Cardiff and by unanimous decision to Dillan Whyte in July in London.