Joseph Parker

Former WBO world heavyweight champion Parker and the vastly experienced Chisora fight in Manchester on Sunday morning (NZT).

Haye now manages Chisora but knows plenty about Parker, helping the Kiwi prepare in his London gym for his other British fights against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.

Haye sees this as the heavy hands of Chisora going up against the guile of Parker and doesn’t believe the judges will get involved.

Parker takes on Britain’s Dereck Chisora in Manchester on May 2 (NZT) in a contest that has huge ramifications to his career.

The fight is the last of Parker’s three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom outfit.

That original deal, believed to be worth around $6m, was signed in late May, 2019. Injuries and the Covid pandemic have stretched it out to two years with Parker only fighting and beating Alex Leapai and Shawndell Winters in two contests in the United States. His last win over fellow Kiwi Junior Fa in Auckland was independent of the Matchroom deal.

Chisora and former WBO champion Parker square off on May 2 (NZT), both tuning up with new trainers.

American Buddy McGirt, the man in the corner of Chisora, doesn’t believe Parker will be able to handle the “heat” coming his way.

"I mean it's not going to be an easy task, but we've just got to keep the heat on him," McGirt told Sky Sports UK.

"It's not a secret. Keep the pressure and the heat on, and make him uncomfortable, every second of every round."

When he was asked if Parker could handle these tactics, McGirt didn't hesitate: "No, personally no.

The two heavyweights clash in Britain on May 2 (NZT), finally coming together after their 2019 fight was cancelled after Parker suffered a spider bite while training in Las Vegas.

An incredulous Chisora raised doubts over that and labelled Parker “a chicken”. The rugged Brit has been merciless with his taunts at New Zealand’s former WBO champion ever since.

Parker, now preparing in Britain with his new trainer Andy Lee and working alongside his good mate Fury, says he’s keen to sort things out with Chisora where it matters most.

Parker has had a productive three weeks with Andy Lee after ending his eight-year partnership with Las Vegas-based New Zealand trainer Kevin Barry.

“It’s gone well, I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’ve been happy,” Parker, the former WBO champion, told Boxing UK.

“Andy isn’t changing a lot, he’s just working on correcting a few things, tidying me up and making sure I’m well-prepared for this fight.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).