06-27-2019, 01:18 PM
Mature Joseph Parker ready to hit his peak, says trainer Kevin Barry
Marvin France in Providence
Joseph Parker has adopted a more disciplined approach during his downtime.
When Joseph Parker first arrived for the start of training camp two months ago, Kevin Barry was quite surprised – in a good way.
Unlike previous camps, the Kiwi heavyweight turned up at his trainer's house in Las Vegas right around fight weight thanks to a more disciplined approach to life in between bouts.
Maintaining a strict diet hasn't always been his strong point. But it's been a key area of focus of late and the results were there to see as a lean, muscular Parker fine-tuned his preparation for Saturday's (Sunday NZT) showdown with former title contender, Australian Alex Leapai, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Parker (25-2) has weighed as low as 106kg during this training camp, with an eye to entering the ring at 110kg.
The bout doubles as the first of a three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and the former WBO champion is undoubtedly determined to make a good impression.
Trainer Kevin Barry has shrugged off the disruption caused by the late change of opponent.
But while that is part of it, Barry believes the lifestyle change is simply a sign of Parker maturing in and outside of the ring.
"When he first came to me he was just turning 21 and now he's a father of three beautiful girls," Barry said. "Everything's changed in his life and it's not just about him any more, it's about his family.
"He still had his treats [outside of training camp]. He had a burger every now and then and he still had a couple of beers. But he didn't over-indulge with all those things. I said to him 'pick your moments' and he really watched what he ate. And he liked it."
It's not only mentally that Parker is maturing.
Back-to-back lossess in 2018 saw him fall away from the world's premier heavyweights; Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, who have since been joined by Andy Ruiz Jr following his upset over the latter.
Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker shows fast hands and good footwork during Las Vegas training.
But at 27, Parker is the youngest of that group and after six years as a professional, Barry says he's only starting to hit his physical prime.
"He's now grown into his man body, and that's the difference. He's got a different level of strength now," Barry said.
"We've had a very good camp, brought in some very good sparring. Joe's strength is probably the best it's ever been. His attitude and focus is as good as I've ever seen it. We all put a lot of work in and I expect a good performance."
Barry was forced to make some late adjustments to the fight-plan after negotiations broke down with initial opponent American Eric Molina two weeks ago.
Leapai (32-7-4), who lost his world title challenge against Wladimir Klitshcko in 2014, is at least 10cm shorter than Molina and has a completely different style.
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MARVIN FRANCE • SPORTS REPORTER
marvin.france@stuff.co.nz
The bout has also been upgraded from 10 to 12 rounds but with so much at stake for Parker, Barry has no doubt he will be ready.
"Every fight that we have now is a world title fight because if we take a loss at the moment, there will be huge damage," Barry said.
"He's a strong physical guy and he will try and use his physicality to throw Joe off his game. But right at the moment, I feel like Joe is starting to peak as a fighter."
Parker's clash against Leapai is the co-featured bout on a card headlined by the WBO middleweight title fight between champion Demetrius Andrade and Maciej Sulecki.
* Marvin France travelled to Providence with assistance from Duco
Marvin France in Providence
Joseph Parker has adopted a more disciplined approach during his downtime.
When Joseph Parker first arrived for the start of training camp two months ago, Kevin Barry was quite surprised – in a good way.
Unlike previous camps, the Kiwi heavyweight turned up at his trainer's house in Las Vegas right around fight weight thanks to a more disciplined approach to life in between bouts.
Maintaining a strict diet hasn't always been his strong point. But it's been a key area of focus of late and the results were there to see as a lean, muscular Parker fine-tuned his preparation for Saturday's (Sunday NZT) showdown with former title contender, Australian Alex Leapai, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Parker (25-2) has weighed as low as 106kg during this training camp, with an eye to entering the ring at 110kg.
The bout doubles as the first of a three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and the former WBO champion is undoubtedly determined to make a good impression.
Trainer Kevin Barry has shrugged off the disruption caused by the late change of opponent.
But while that is part of it, Barry believes the lifestyle change is simply a sign of Parker maturing in and outside of the ring.
"When he first came to me he was just turning 21 and now he's a father of three beautiful girls," Barry said. "Everything's changed in his life and it's not just about him any more, it's about his family.
"He still had his treats [outside of training camp]. He had a burger every now and then and he still had a couple of beers. But he didn't over-indulge with all those things. I said to him 'pick your moments' and he really watched what he ate. And he liked it."
It's not only mentally that Parker is maturing.
Back-to-back lossess in 2018 saw him fall away from the world's premier heavyweights; Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, who have since been joined by Andy Ruiz Jr following his upset over the latter.
Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker shows fast hands and good footwork during Las Vegas training.
But at 27, Parker is the youngest of that group and after six years as a professional, Barry says he's only starting to hit his physical prime.
"He's now grown into his man body, and that's the difference. He's got a different level of strength now," Barry said.
"We've had a very good camp, brought in some very good sparring. Joe's strength is probably the best it's ever been. His attitude and focus is as good as I've ever seen it. We all put a lot of work in and I expect a good performance."
Barry was forced to make some late adjustments to the fight-plan after negotiations broke down with initial opponent American Eric Molina two weeks ago.
Leapai (32-7-4), who lost his world title challenge against Wladimir Klitshcko in 2014, is at least 10cm shorter than Molina and has a completely different style.
MORE FROM
MARVIN FRANCE • SPORTS REPORTER
marvin.france@stuff.co.nz
The bout has also been upgraded from 10 to 12 rounds but with so much at stake for Parker, Barry has no doubt he will be ready.
"Every fight that we have now is a world title fight because if we take a loss at the moment, there will be huge damage," Barry said.
"He's a strong physical guy and he will try and use his physicality to throw Joe off his game. But right at the moment, I feel like Joe is starting to peak as a fighter."
Parker's clash against Leapai is the co-featured bout on a card headlined by the WBO middleweight title fight between champion Demetrius Andrade and Maciej Sulecki.
* Marvin France travelled to Providence with assistance from Duco