Joseph Parker Confident He Outperforms Joe Joyce on Fight Night
On September 24, Joseph Parker (30-2, 21 KOs) and Joe Joyce (14-0, 13 KOs) will battle it out for the WBO Interim heavyweight title at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. The winner moves closer to a fight with the unified champion Oleksandr Uysk. Given what’s on the line, stakes are high for both fighters.
For Parker, this fight is about more than just capturing the Interim belt. The contest with Joyce is also about repairing his fractured reputation. In the two biggest fights of his career against then-unified champ Anthony Joshua in March 2018 and against perennial contender Dillian Whyte in July 2018, Parker lost by unanimous decision.
A LACK OF PASSION?
Some fans accuse the 30-year-old of not having the fire in his belly for the sport. The potential is there, but he also seems to be a fighter lacking the intangibles to bring his best consistently. A glaring example was his victory over countryman Junior Fa in January 2021. Parker’s performance was lackluster and uninspiring in the eyes of many observers.
To change that negative perception, the native of South Auckland, New Zealand has been working with trainer Andy Lee. He’s also moved his camp to the Morecambe training center in Lancashire, England, the same facility as reigning WBC heavyweight kingpin Tyson Fury.
During an interview with media source Seconds Out, Parker said his preparation has been fantastic. The New Zealander feels zoned in, and his mindset has gone to another level.
A CHANGED MAN
“I brought in Andy Lee; I have Tyson Fury around […] I put in the hard work every single day, and I know that I’ve done everything I can to be in the best shape for this fight. So, I’ve made it the best camp.”
Elite conditioning and focus are going to be needed to overcome Joyce. He’s facing a guy who is rugged and tough. Joyce has one of the hardest left jabs in the division and can hurt you with either hand. But Parker insists he’s is a different person than the fighter who has drawn so many criticisms over the years. He believes the work with Lee and Fury will show itself against Joyce.
“When I go into this fight, I know that I can take care of business and beat this guy up. I think I’ll be too fast; I think I’m going to be too quick. I’m going to have better movement than he does.
Of course, he’s got this jab and he comes forward and got a good engine. But I’m prepared for that, and I brought in some good sparring partners to prepare for what he brings.”
Will Parker bring his A-game and put together the kind of performance that leaves everyone buzzing? Or, are folks about to see the same old fighter who teases with spurts of high-quality, but ultimately leaves you frustrated because of his inconsistency? Talk is one thing. We will all find out on September 24 at Manchester Arena.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
