Joseph Parker (boxer)

Early life

Joseph Parker was born in South Auckland on January 9, 1992 to Dempsey and Sala Parker. He grew up and was raised in the large suburb of Māngere in Auckland, where he attended Marcellin College. Boxing had been a part of Parker's life since his early childhood after being first introduced at a very young age of three. His father, who was named after the legendary American boxer Jack Dempsey, brought many boxing accessories and toys for him and his siblings. His father also had a boxing bag and pads at home and used to train Joseph and his younger brother. But it was not until he was ten years old when he joined the Papatoetoe Boxing Club to pursue and learn more about the sport. He was trained by Grant Arkell and former great, Manny Santos. When Parker was growing up, he admired David Tua and Maselino Masoe who were from the same area as him. He is the middle child, being one of three children. Parker has one older sister, Elizabeth, and a younger brother, John, who is currently a professional boxer. He is of predominantly Samoan descent, with his ancestry roots going back to the Faleula Village on the main island of Upolu where his mother hails from. Both his parents migrated to New Zealand from Samoa in the early 1980s. Parker also comes from a religious family, belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Amateur career

Parker had success during his 66-fight amateur career, becoming a two-time New Zealand amateur heavyweight champion in 2010 and 2011, as well as winning several amateur tournaments and scoring some notable wins on the international circuit. Having his first fight at the early age of twelve, Parker grew and progressed, winning the 2009 New Zealand Golden Gloves Tournament in Palmerston North. He followed up with a second placing at the New Zealand Elite National Championships, losing to rival Junior Fa.

Parker started traveling around the world at sixteen years of age. His first international tournament was at the Commonwealth Boxing Championships in 2010 where he won silver. It was not until he prepared for the AIBA Youth World Championships in Azerbaijan. Parker's first major event. Unfortunately he had to attend by himself because of affordability, but was looked after by the Australian National Team Management as his coach Grant Arkell could not afford to accompany him. He was also to be the sole representative of his country in the quarterfinals after he beat Turkey's Yusuf Açik to face the Pan-American champion Yuniel Castro Chavez from Cuba. Parker won the bout on points, 8:1 to advance to the semifinals. He then fought Croatia's Filip Hrgović. They traded punches in a closely matched bout that saw the scores remain within one point of each other for most of the match. In the end it was the Croatian who managed to gain the upper hand in the final round and push ahead to an 8:6 victory, as Parker left the ring nursing an injured nose but successfully winning bronze. Parker then traveled to Singapore, to compete at the Youth Olympics. He won silver after defeating Jozsef Zsigmond in the semifinals. He then proceeded to the final where he lost on points against Tony Yoka of France.

After what was a busy season for Parker, he finished the year off featuring in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. The then 18-year-old beat Canadian Didier Bence 14:7 in a fiery contest, charging home late in the third and final round when it appeared the fight was slipping away. Parker was down 7:5 on points when he landed a decisive right hand to Bence's head with one minute 15 seconds remaining. It knocked the Canadian down and effectively ended the fight as Parker registered the last nine points. Parker then advanced to the quarterfinals. He lost to Tariq Abdul Haqq. The fight was tied at 7:7 after Parker landed a late punch to tie up the scores. The judges, however, gave Abdul Haqq the win by a majority decision of three of the five judges. Thus meaning Parker missed out on earning a medal.

In 2011, Parker won his first notable gold medal in Darwin, Australia at the Arafura Games. He began with two wins by stoppage, with a first round victory in the quarterfinals over Jean Tuisamoa of New Caledonia. Followed by the semifinals against Jake Ageidu. He then met Emile Gineste from Tahiti, in his final. Parker had little trouble with his opponent, with the referee ending the contest in the first round. Parker, continued his rise up the World Amateur standings, with further gold medal success. He opened his Chinese campaign in Guiyang at the China Open tournament, stopping Iderbat Davaalkhagva from Mongolia. In the final he was opposed by Ospanov Doszham from Kazakhstan. Parker was awarded the victory by way of a six-point winning margin. At the 50th Belgrade annual boxing tournament, Parker finished up his amateur career defeating 2012 London Olympics berth winner, Johan Linde of Australia, to claim his third gold. He had previously beaten Erik Pfeifer of Germany on points to secure a place in the finals.

Career beginnings

Parker made his professional debut, under the bright lights of Auckland's SkyCity's Convention Centre. Dean Garmonsway, was chosen as Parker's first opponent. A Hamilton physical education school teacher and former Waikato Rugby League representative, had only three professional boxing bouts, amounting to two wins and one loss. The bout featured on the undercard of Godfather of All Fight Nights, Shane Cameron vs. Monte Barrett title eliminator. The then twenty-year-old stepped into the professional ranks for the first time, Parker was hyped as New Zealand's most promising boxer since David Tua and had a lot to lose going into his professional debut. Parker overcame with an early stoppage victory, smashing his opponent with some thundering shots, winning by technical knockout midway through the second round.

After scoring a number of consecutive victories in New Zealand and America, Parker agreed to fight South African Francois Botha. Botha known to be capable of landing a quality punch or two, and the ability to send fighters to the canvas. Parker was favourite to win and expected to add another win to his professional record. Controversy occurred, leading to Parker's manager, Sir Bob Jones, quitting over the suitability of pitching Joseph against Botha, especially after Botha's recent controversy-filled fight with Sonny Bill Williams. He defeated Botha in June 2013 by a second round stoppage over the former four-time world heavyweight contender.

Following his win over Botha, Parker extended his unbeaten professional record to seven wins on October 10, 2013 with a second-round knockout over Afa Tatupu at the Trusts Arena in Waitakere, Auckland. All the predictions before the fight were the two would unleash early in the contest, and they came true as Parker won the fight with a stunning second round blow. Parker secured the New Zealand National Boxing Federation title with an impressive win marred only by a serious cut he suffered in the opening round when the fighters clashed heads. The fight doctor considered ending the fight after the first round due to the state of the cut above the left eye but Parker's manager Kevin Barry pleaded for a second round and got it. His charge responded with a flurry of punches which lowered former champion Tatupu two minutes into the second round. Tatupu came out strong in the first round and threw some good shots, testing the chin of the then 21-year-old rising star. The two then got into a brawl as they traded punch for punch.

Parker threw plenty at his opponent, showing his speed and power late in the first round but Tatupu was saved by the bell as he battled against the ropes. The punishment continued in the second round before Parker delivered the killer blow. It was an action-packed contest, with the then 33-year-old Tatupu opening in aggressive style and prompting a belligerent response from Parker after he was searching for an upset knockout win. The pair went toe-to-toe for much of the second round before Parker's superior speed and power made the difference.

Parker started off 2014 after he defeated Brazilian Marcelo Luiz Nascimento after a flurry of blows in the seventh round saw referee Brad Vocale stop the fight, although Nascimento protested the decision. Parker was the dominant figure throughout the bout and won the interim Pan Asian Boxing Association heavyweight championship for his efforts. The fight, on the undercard of Wladimir Klitschko's world heavyweight title defence against Australian Alex Leapai, was Parker's eighth as a professional. Nascimento, who was a late replacement for durable veteran Sherman Williams, brought a 17–5 record to the contest, which was largely padded by results in his homeland. But in the seventh, which turned out to be the final frame, Parker's power began to show and when Nascimento was unable to defend himself the bout was stopped.

In his next bout he defeated 39-year-old defending American WBO Oriental heavyweight champion Brian Minto on July 5, 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand. Parker knocked Minto down in the fifth round and then opened his arms. After rocking him again in the seventh Minto did not return as his corner threw in the towel, leaving Joseph winning his third title. Having been knocked down twice, Minto knew at the end of the seventh round he had no chance of winning. He also confirmed he had carried a broken nose suffered in sparring the previous week into the fight.

Following an easy victory over another American Keith Thompson in August, Parker went on to outclass durable Bahamian 42-year-old Sherman Williams with a convincing unanimous decision. After Williams losing, he continued to cause controversy after he kept attempting to snatch and grab the microphone within the ring and issuing a re-match challenge against Parker. He claimed that he'd knock out Parker in the sixth round in a re-match. Parker quoted saying it's not up to him and we are fighters and lets leave it to the judges to decide.

Parker continued his winning form after he knocked out top-ranked Brazilian and WBO Latino heavyweight champion Irineu Beato Costa Junior in December 2014, before doing the same to unknown American 34-year-old Jason Pettaway in March 2015. Parker had moved to 13-0 in his professional boxing career after beating Pettaway and Costa Junior by both coming from knockouts in the fourth round. Joseph retained his Pan Asian Boxing Association and WBO Oriental heavyweight titles.

Road to the title

Following a three-week camp as sparring partner to World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in Florida, Parker announced to fight three more bouts in 2015, re-commencing in Palmerston North on 13 June where he defeated Turkish-born German fighter Yakup Saglam in an emphatic second-round knockout. Parker battered Saglam late in the first round, but stepped it up in the second with his big hits. Saglam had a massive right hook of his own, but could not land any, while Parker's speed and power were too much. Joseph maintained his unbeaten record, notching his fourteenth win and twelfth by knockout while also again retaining his two titles.

Following the withdrawal of Japanese heavyweight champion Kyotaro Fujimoto, Parker beat Australian replacement Bowie Tupou on 1 August in Invercargill, New Zealand, by first-round knockout. He then fought 45-year-old former World Title contender Kali Meehan (42 wins; 5 losses) on 15 October in Auckland. The New Zealand-born Australian Meehan earned his shot at the promising heavyweight after winning the Super 8 competition and beating Kiwi veteran Shane Cameron. Parker's dynamic hand speed and power destroyed veteran Kali Meehan inside three rounds of their heavyweight clash. After dominating the opening two rounds, Parker put away the veteran with a stunning combination one minute into the third round. He set it up with a straight left and finished it off with a powerful overhand right. Meehan struggled to get up off the canvas and wobbled against the ropes with referee Ferlin Marsh waving the finish for a technical knockout. He added the WBC's Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council's heavyweight belt and the WBA's Oceania title to his collection.

Parker's next two opponents were both named on 9 November 2015, with American 24-year-old Daniel Martz selected for 5 December 2015 in Hamilton, followed by southpaw Jason Bergman, also of the United States, on 23 January 2016 in Apia, Samoa.

Parker had scored an emphatic first-round technical knockout win over Martz at the Fight For Life event. As expected, he wasted no time in flooring the 2.02 meter American at Claudelands Arena, for a super quick technical knockout victory. Parker took just one minute and 17 seconds to floor the big-talking Martz flat on his face with a big swinging right punch to the left-side of his head.

Parker notched his 18th consecutive win with an eighth-round technical knockout of American Jason Bergman in Samoa. Far from the one or two round finishes of his more recent fights, Parker was made to work for his victory by a staunch and determined Bergman. The challenger offered very little on offense but displayed some impressive mettle in soldiering through a number of Parker onslaughts, the champion tenderising the body relentlessly in what proved to be the ideal workout against his first southpaw opponent. After twice sending Bergman to his knee in earlier rounds for the count, one particularly brutal liver shot crumbled the American, the referee having seen enough as he waved off the fight.

Title contention

It was confirmed that Parker and Carlos Takam would fight on May 21, 2016 in an IBF heavyweight eliminator. The winner would be required to fight for the world title against the reigning champion, Anthony Joshua of Britain. Prior to the fight being announced, Parker and his handlers twice avoided fighting Takam the previous year because of the risk involved. The fight took place with Parker winning a unanimous decision after twelve rounds, in front of a vocal home crowd at South Auckland's Vodafone Events Centre in New Zealand. Two judges scored it 116–112, and one at 115–113. Takam was largely outworked by Parker, and neither threw many punches to secure the rounds.

The fight contract for Joseph Parker vs. Solomon Haumono was finally signed off on 23 May 2016. This match-up was a long time in the making, with the pair having shown interest in fighting each other in the past. Haumono's WBA Oceania and PABA heavyweight titles were initially on the line. It was hyped as a Trans-Tasman grudge match with Parker's IBF world heavyweight mandatory position on the line which attracted the attention of the Australian media and public. Pre-fight Parker predicted he would need the formative rounds of twelve to get a feel and once he found his range a tiring Haumono was visibly struggling before he was dropped by a right uppercut and failed to beat referee Bruce McTavish's count, being another routine victory for Parker via a fourth-round knockout. Parker was in control from the opening bell and made his first inroads in the third when he landed a right and left to Haumono's head, though he responded by winging Parker on the jaw, a blow that was brushed off. Haumono thought he had beat the count and was fit to continue though it was only a matter of time before Parker ended proceeding before a capacity crowd of 5,500.

Parker's team made the announcement of Parker's October 1 fight in late July with the tall Ukrainian-born German Alexander Dimitrenko in a 12-round bout at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, the same venue Parker secured a points win over Carlos Takam to secure the IBF number one mandatory position in May. Trainer Kevin Barry commented that the Dimitrenko bout was a preparation for his eventual heavyweight title fight with Anthony Joshua. Dimitrenko held a respectable 38–2 record, with those two losses coming against his only genuine top-class opposition; Kubrat Pulev in 2012 and Eddie Chambers in 2009. Parker started off strong knocking down Dimitrenko in round one. He then used his speed in round two and knocked Dimitrenko down twice following right hands. Dimitrenko was knocked down a final time in round three; as he was falling, Parker hit another body shot, which the referee appeared to miss. The fight was called off 1 minute and 36 seconds into round three.

WBO heavyweight champion

In late October, the Parker versus Ruiz title fight had been officially sanctioned by the WBO. The organisation had granted permission to Parker fighting Andy Ruiz for their belt with their championship committee voting unanimously in favor of the title fight. The belt was vacated by Tyson Fury, who was battling depression and drug issues and had not fought since November 2015 after defeating Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles. Although the WBO president Francisco Varcarcel said his preference was to set up a four-man box-off for the vacant title involving the four leading available contenders for their belt but it had gone down the route of their own rules book which gave number one ranked Parker the first rights to challenge. With number two ranked Klitschko targeted the WBA belt, cleared the way for number three Ruiz to step up against Parker.

Discussions and negotiations began after Fury was expected to be stripped of his WBO belt over inactivity and testing positive for cocaine. With his sudden announcement that he would relinquish his various heavyweight world title belts due to his issues with various problems, it was unclear exactly how the WBO and WBA would go about filling the vacancies. But before Fury vacated, Duco Events promoter Dean Lonergan announced in early October he had been negotiating an alternative WBO title fight against Andy Ruiz, suggesting he had a chance of reaching a deal with Bob Arum. He pointed out that WBO rules stated that the two best classified contenders' will challenge for the title. Arum told ESPN.com that he was in talks with the WBO about making it for the vacant title. He also said his experience dealing with Parker and his team has so far been a pleasure.

Parker became the first heavyweight boxer from New Zealand to win a world title as he won via majority decision. Two of the judges scored it 115–113 in favour of Parker as the third judge scored it a 114–114 draw. Parker said it was a dream come true. Ruiz started off the better boxer and was the main aggressor throughout the fight. Parker picked up the pace in the middle rounds winning most of them but Ruiz got back into the fight during the championship rounds. Both boxers showed great respect for each other throughout the bout. Ruiz spoke of his unhappiness stating he felt he won the fight or even deserved a draw and wanted a rematch. Parker was in favour of a rematch in the future, however on December 29, David Higgins from Duco, ruled it out.

A lot of criticism surfaced, believing Parker lost the fight after his encounter with Ruiz. Parker's promoters were disappointed on what they heard, coming out saying some of the most vocal critics have been bitter towards Parker's success from early in his career. Duco's David Higgins said the criticism was crap, and that the public deserved to be told the full story. Some, most notably New Zealand Professional Boxing Association president Lance Revill, described the majority decision by the WBO-appointed independent judges as "bullshit", with Revill adding he was embarrassed to be a New Zealander after watching the fight at Auckland's Vector Arena. Rather than score the fight close, Revill had it 118–111 to Ruiz. Most experts ruled it a close Parker win or a draw.

Fury showdown

In December 2016, David Haye was made mandatory challenger for Parker's WBO title, however he chose to fight cruiserweight Tony Bellew in a heavyweight grudge match on pay-per-view. This pushed Hughie Fury to become next in line for a title shot. On 25 January 2017, the WBO ordered a purse bid to take place on 1 February, with a minimum bid of $1 million. Parker would receive the higher amount of the 60/40 split. A deal was close to being reached before the WBO ordered the purse bid. One day before the scheduled purse bids, the WBO pushed it back by two days, to take place on 3 February instead.

Duco Events, representing Parker made a winning bid of $3,011,000 to secure promotional rights of the fight. This would ensure both fighters to receive their career high purses with Parker earning $1,806,600 and Fury earning $1,204,400. Frank Warren, representing Fury, made a bid of $2.8 million, wanted the fight to take place in the UK. Duco announced a date was set for April 1, 2017. Due to no deal being signed, on 22 February, WBO president Paco Valcarcel made team Fury aware that they had until 23 February to agree the terms of the fight. If they don't comply, they would then order Parker to follow through and make a voluntary defence.

On March 8, Dave Higgins from Duco Events confirmed the bout would take place at the Spark Arena (Formerly known as Vector Arena) in New Zealand on May 6, 2017. The reason behind the location was due to Parker enjoying fighting in front of his Kiwi fans. On 22 March 2017, Hughie's father and trainer Peter Fury was denied a VISA entry into New Zealand. This was due to his criminal past, dating back to the 1990s when he was incarcerated for 10 years for drug related offences. Two days later, Peter was granted a special VISA running from 28 March to 10 May 2017.

On 22 April 2017, WBO president Paco Valcarcel announced that the fight was off and would not be taking place. In the released statement, it was revealed that the cancellation came from team Fury also nothing was confirmed. Parker's camp where said to be disappointed but not surprised by this. The WBO told Duco Events that they can schedule another fight with an opponent within top 15 WBO rankings.

Team Fury later released a statement revealing Parker's promoters had been trying to switch the location of the fight to England because of money issues. They also were adamant Hughie was injured and wanted the world championship fight with Parker rescheduled. Peter Fury said his injury was a recurrence of an injury he suffered a year ago and had flared up again during an intense sparring session.

Despite Fury failing to show up to their May 6 showdown in Auckland because of a supposed back injury, Duco Events confirmed the news Parker will fight Hughie Fury in his hometown of Manchester on September 23. With the 21,000-seat Manchester Arena expected to be the venue of the bout.

Initial defence

Duco Events had been told by the WBO that they could pick a voluntary defence from within the organisation's top 15-ranked fighters after the controversial withdrawal of Hughie Fury. Dominic Breazeale, the American, ranked 6th with the WBO, announced on social media his interests in fighting Parker on late notice. Speculation also grew that number 14 ranked, Razvan Cojanu of Romania would be Parker's replacement. Cojanu, was involved in his training camp in Las Vegas towards the fight. WBC champion Deontay Wilder also called out Parker for a unification bout while Fury's cousin Tyson, the troubled former champion, said he'd be willing to jump in the ring. The following day it was confirmed Cojanu would replace Fury to challenge Parker for the WBO heavyweight belt. It was reported also that the fight would be shifted from Spark Arena, to the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau.

Parker was determined to make a statement but couldn't manage that as he left his New Zealand campaign in a convincing unanimous decision. Parker out-pointed Cojanu in his first defence of his world heavyweight title. The judges scored it 119-108, 117-110, 117-110 in a fight where Cojanu taunted him repeatedly. American referee Mike Ortega deducted a point against Cojanu in the fourth round due to repeatedly pushing down the neck of Parker during the clinches. Parker later admitted he had problems connecting against Cojanu. But Parker's ability to keep disciplined in a fight that involved trash talk, flying elbows, clinches and head holds got him the win comfortably.

After his first defense, Parker received huge criticism over his performance which saw many fighters claim they would knock Parker out. Two of whom were British boxers, Tony Bellew and Dillian Whyte. Whyte saying he was not impressed with the Parker's performance, and wants to go head-to-head against him later in the year. Bellew, lashed out at Parker on social media, saying he could end Parker's reign as champion very quickly. Whilst Whyte hit back at Bellew's comments, saying he must wait in line.

Personal life

Parker goes by the high chief name of Lupesoliai La'auliolemalietoa. Contrary to reports that the emerging star was bestowed a matai (chief) title, the village of Faleula revealed to him the name to bestow upon him the chiefly title of La'auli. The paramount chief of the village, Loau Keneti Sio, urged him to be a "strong man". He bestowed his blessings on Parker, reminding him that the bestowed title is a gift and a "blessing to him from the village". Loau said informing him that he has been chosen to be bestowed the title La'auli is a sign of respect. It is also a thank you from the village for what he has achieved for Samoa.

In early October 2016, Parker's partner Laine Tavita confirmed that she was expecting Parker's child. A baby shower was held prior to it being announced, which Parker attended before flying off to prepare for his world title bout. He was not present when Tavita gave birth to their daughter as he was in Las Vegas preparing. Her full name is Elizabeth Ah-Sue Sala Parker. The boxer's sister's name is Elizabeth and his mother's name is Sala.

Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi had paid tribute to the recipients of the Government's Honours and Awards for 2017. Parker received the Order of Merit Award, and was the youngest recipient of an award at the ceremony. The Prime Minister also announced the government of Samoa would host a special welcome for Parker, with a half day commission holiday.

Awards and recognitions