Joseph Parker aims to become a two-time heavyweight world champion as he gears up to face Daniel Dubois on February 22nd.
Joseph Parker, now 35-3, has become a fan-favourite after a string of impressive performances.
In 2023, following a few lower-level comeback fights after being stopped by Joe Joyce, Parker became the second man to defeat Deontay Wilder after Tyson Fury, in a near shut-out points win.
The New Zealand man then fought another of the most feared punchers in the division, ‘Big Bang’ Zhilei Zhang.
Parker showed his resolve in the fight, getting up off the canvas twice to claim a majority decision win over Zhang, who has been training with LL Cool J, for his upcoming fight against Agit Kabayel.
Parker’s only losses have come at the hands of Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Joe Joyce, though fans believe that given his recent run of form and excellent pairing with coach Andy Lee, Parker has the potential to avenge any of these losses.
Joseph Parker ranks his best five fights – from Chisora to Ruiz
In a promotional video posted by The Ring Magazine, Parker broke down what he believes to be his best five fights.
In no particular order, Parker first mentions Andy Ruiz, stating: “Not everything went well in the camp, but it was my opportunity to fight for the championship of the world, and I was able to win it in a close fight […] that moment was for myself, the countries of New Zealand and Samoa, and my dad.”
He then says: “I had two fights with Derek Chisora, the first was very close. Derek Chisora is a hell of a fighter.”
The third name Parker mentions is Zhang: “Zhilei Zhang is a top fighter, he’s been a great fighter for a long time […] It was great to be able to get the win and have Zhilei Zhang on my record.”
Though Parker won these three fights, the next name he mentions is someone he wasn’t able to beat: “[Fighting Anthony Joshua] was a great opportunity to try and unify the belts.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the win but I learnt a lot from that fight. I learned that I could stay resilient, stay determined, and stay training hard.”
Parker has recently opened up about facing depression following his world title win, and states that he did not take fights after that as seriously as he should have.
The final name is one that many would not expect. Not Joyce, not Whyte, and not Wilder. Parker instead gives praise to his fight with Junior Fa:
“It was a close fight. […] When I reflect on that fight I could’ve done more, could’ve done better. Having that fight and many other fights was all learning.”
Joseph Parker reveals his ringwalk song ahead of Daniel Dubois clash
In a behind-the-scenes look at Parker’s media day antics, Parker is seen bonding with friend and cousin, Ravi, also known as ‘BKidd’.
Parker reveals that his ring-walk song is a celebration of New Zealand and that Ravi is one of the singers on the track, alongside artists known as ‘Poetic’ and ‘Kings’.
BKidd has previously made a song called ‘Bright Lights (Team Parker Anthem)’.
Parker faces Dubois on the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev undercard. Also on the card is Callum Smith, who has named Beterbiev one of three men he’s faced better than Joshua Buatsi, his next opponent.