Joseph Parker

Joseph Parker fighting for his career

The New Zealand heavyweight returns to the ring to take on Faiga 'Django' Opelu over 10 rounds and says victory is his only option.

"My career is on the line in every fight, every fight is a must win from now on."

Parker says he is in the best shape of his life and to expect fireworks.

The 31-year-old says he has been sparring strongly and has envisioned a knockout win.

"I feel very dangerous and I just want to bring this feeling that I have into the ring tomorrow night, that dangerous feeling."

Tyson Fury brings star power to Joseph Parker fight in Melbourne

Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, joined Parker at this afternoon’s press conference ahead of the Wednesday night show at the Margaret Court Arena and, in between occasional profanities in a broadcast streamed live in New Zealand and Australia, he spoke about his Kiwi mate’s impressive preparation for his latest challenge.

The self-styled Gypsy King has travelled downunder to support Parker – a long-time ally away from the ring and occasional training partner in his home town of Morecambe in England.

'I have to look good' - Parker on his comeback after brutal defeat

Kiwi Parker’s opponent for the heavyweight clash at the Manchester Arena on Sunday, January 21 (NZT) is Englishman Jack Massey.

Massey, 29, is moving up a division from cruiserweight and represents a somewhat curious choice for Parker given his modest record and profile.

Still, Parker is taking no chances. In an interview with 1News, Parker has revealed that after suffering from illness before the Joyce fight – which he believes robbed him of energy at the very least – his current routine is limited to training, sleeping and eating at his Morecambe base.

Joseph Parker’s next opponent could be American Bryant Jennings

Parker, back training in Morecambe in England following a break in New Zealand after his technical knockout defeat to Joe Joyce in September, is hoping to fight again in January and Jennings would appear to fit the bill.

The Joyce setback in Manchester was Parker’s first stoppage defeat as a professional – the 30-year-old, bleeding from a cut over his right eye – was put on the canvas by a left hook in the 11th and penultimate round – but if anything his allure to English audiences in particular increased.

Bob Arum teases Joseph Parker v Tyson Fury as world title talks stall

Parker scored an impressive unanimous points win in his rematch with Derek Chisora in Manchester on Sunday. As the year winds down, the focus now falls on where the heated heavyweight division is heading in 2022.

WBC champion Fury has a mandatory challenge to take from Dillian Whyte, but negotiations are struggling and Arum suggested Fury could even vacate his belt, raising Parker or former world champion Andy Ruiz Jr, as worthy alternatives for a UK stadium fight.

Rematch locked in for Joseph Parker

The two heavyweights will fight again on December 18 in Manchester.

Parker won via a split points decision when he and Chisora fought in May, which was also in Manchester.

The South Aucklander prevailed 116-111 and 115-113 on two of the three judges scorecards, but the other judge scored it 115-113 for Chisora.

The British veteran made his displeasure with the decision clear afetr the fight and immediately demanded a rematch.

Joseph Parker: I don't have Covid

American broadcaster ESPN linked Parker to the Covid outbreak in the Tyson Fury camp that has delayed the British star’s trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.

Parker has been training with Fury in Las Vegas and told Stuff at the time of the report that he was “keeping healthy and safe” and that his family who are with him in Las Vegas were “all good too”.

Dereck Chisora rematch firming for Joseph Parker in new multi-fight deal

It seems Parker’s UK backers were impressed enough with his final effort on their original three-fight deal as he battled to a contentious split points decision against Chisora.

Parker’s New Zealand manager David Higgins has had a productive discussion with Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith that points to a positive future.

Smith sees value in a Parker v Chisora sequel and Higgins and Parker like the feel of it too.

Joseph Parker edges points win over Dereck Chisora

Parker has come back from being knocked down less than 10 seconds into the first round to score a split decision points victory in Manchester, England on Sunday (NZ time).

In what was a close bout throughout the 12 rounds, the former WBO world champion was the stronger of the two fighters in the second half of the contest, doing just enough to notch his fifth straight win.

Parker won the fight 116-111 and 115-113 on two of the three judges' scorecards, with the other judge scoring it 115-113 for Chisora.

Joseph Parker ready for Derek Chisora pressure

The New Zealand boxer had four straight wins to his name ahead of his bout with British fighter Derek Chisora in Manchester.

However, a lack-lustre victory over Junior Fa in February meant most pundits still felt Parker had more to prove in his quest to regain world champion status.

The 29-year-old admitted it wasn't his best work but said the fight wasn't much of a gauge for a clash with former title challenger and no-nonsense veteran Chisora.

"They're two totally different styles.