Will the Kindness of Tyson Fury Give Joseph Parker the Edge?
Since suffering back-to-back losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, one-time heavyweight champion Joseph “Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa” Parker (30-2, 21 KO’s) has enjoyed a six-fight win streak. Despite lavishing in some success, Parker still felt as if a change was needed. So when WBC heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury opened his doors following his first match with Derek Chisora, Parker was all too happy to take him up on it. Perhaps the timing will turn out to be perfect.
In his next in-ring assignment, Parker will test his skills against fast-rising heavyweight contender Joe “Juggernaut” Joyce (14-0, 13 KO’s). Since defeating then undefeated fighter Daniel Dubois, Joyce has been on the steady incline in the sport. With that win, Juggernaut gobbled up a slew of secondary titles such as: BBBofC, Commonwealth, EBU European, WBC Silver and WBO international. Yet, when Parker and Joyce collide, the WBO Interim heavyweight title will hang in the balance.
WHEN GIANTS UNITE
Having already suffered two professional defeats, Parker cannot afford another loss without grave consequences. With so much at stake, it’s no wonder why Parker, 30, would want to soak up some advice and in-ring tidbits from Tyson Fury. Thankfully this seems as though it’s been a mutually beneficial partnership.
“I love it here Morecambe. Firstly I’m very grateful to Tyson and what he has done for myself. And not only for myself but everyone around him, he really looks after everyone. When you have someone who wants nothing but the best for you, it makes it a lot easier…there is a togetherness in the way that we train and the way that we operate.”
Joseph Parker speaking to BT Sport
In the end though, no matter how much time and attention that anyone gave to him, come fight night, only Parker can keep his career afloat. As good a guy as he is, Fury can’t throw blows for him! So let’s see if this jovial working relationship will translate into any in the ring substance.
By: Bakari Simpson
