Joseph Parker

Joseph Parker to fight Derek Chisora in first bout with new trainer

Chisora claimed that Parker had postponed their fight set for October 2019 at short notice because the South Aucklander was scared.

"We've been here before, in 2019, I flew to Vegas to film a face-to-face with Parker. I called [David] Haye as soon as I left and told him 'This guy isn't going to get in the ring with me', I could see the fear in his eyes," Chisora told Sky Sports UK.

Middlemore Foundation 'stands by' boxer Joseph Parker over alleged link to drug ring

After an almost a two-year court fight, the heavyweight fighter lost his bid to keep his name suppressed over the Crown’s claims he was connected to a gang that smuggled 20kg of meth into New Zealand through the post.

The Crown repeatedly mentioned Parker's name as it laid out its evidence in a 2019 trial of Tevita Matangi Fangupo, Tevita Sitanilei Kulu and Toni Rajendra Finau, who were later jailed.

'Totally wrong' drug allegations won't affect Parker's fight dream

Parker was named during the trial of a trio found guilty of importing methamphetamine from California at the High Court in Auckland in 2019.

Although he was the subject of police interest, authorities did not speak to him, did not execute a search warrant and have never charged him.

Parker has denied any involvement in the importation of class A drugs, or the purchase, supply or consumption of methamphetamine.

He has also denied being involved in changing or transporting money for the three men.

'No chance to defend myself' - Joseph Parker responds after being linked to drug investigation

In a statement released after his name was revealed, Parker said he had resolved to put this matter behind him.

"This has been going on for ages now, and it takes a toll. I haven't been charged with anything and it doesn't feel right that my name will be connected to matters I've had no chance to defend myself against."

He claims the allegations against him are not true.

Joseph Parker heads to London to link with Tyson Fury's assistant trainer Andy Lee

Just 10 days on from boxing through 12 rounds for a unanimous decision victory over fellow Kiwi Junior Fa (19-1) in Auckland, Parker will leave for London on Tuesday night to link up with a new trainer following his split from long time mentor Kevin Barry.

Stuff can confirm that new trainer will be former WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee and it's understood he was recommended to Parker by undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (30-0-1).

Boxer Joseph Parker parts ways with Kevin Barry

The pair have parted ways by mutual consent.

Both men agreed to the decision after Parker's points victory over Junior Fa in Auckland on Saturday night.

"Without Kevin I wouldn't be where I am today," Parker said.

"Together we made it to the very top. Kevin was with me every step of the way, guiding my progress inside and outside of the ring. So it is with genuine sadness that I confirm our partnership has come to an end.

Parker eyes next fight after defeating Fa

Parker claimed a unanimous points victory after being forced to go the full 12 rounds by his former amateur rival in Auckland on Saturday night.

While it wasn't the knockout win he was looking for, Parker's manager David Higgins said an already rumoured fight against former world title challenger Chisora remained most likely to come next.

"Who knows, Chisora might want the fight even more now.

Joseph Parker defeats Junior Fa after going the full 12 rounds

The bout went the full 12 rounds, with Parker finishing ahead on all three judges scorecards - 119-109, 115-113, 117-111 - to collect a unanimous points decision.

The former WBO world champion went into the fight ranked third with that organisation, while Fa was ranked fifth.

The fight was the first between the two South Aucklanders in the professional ranks. They fought four times in amateur boxing, winning two fights each.

Earlier, David Nyika started his professional career with a bizzare first round knockout win over Auckland's Jesse Maio.

Joseph Parker, Junior Fa ready to put it on the line

After months of respectful build-up, the softly spoken South Aucklanders of Pasifika descent were set to resume their amateur rivalry for the first time as professionals.

The bout represented a crossroads moment for former WBO world champion Parker, now ranked third with the organisation.

Overcome fifth-ranked Fa, and the 29-year-old's dream of becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion remained very much alive.

Lose, and that door was shut - potentially for good.

Joseph Parker could get shot at Dereck Chisora or WBO title if he beats Junior Fa

The Matchroom boss will be watching on with envy from the UK, with a healthy crowd expected to watch the former amateur rivals square off in the pro ranks at Spark Arena on Saturday.

Hearn, who has continued to run shows in Britain behind closed doors, warned Parker that fighting throughout the pandemic has thrown up several interesting results, and he wouldn’t be completely surprised if the undefeated Fa managed to pull off an upset.

However, if Parker is serious about getting back in the title conversation, he simply has to deliver a knockout.