Recently I caught up with New Zealand boxing sensation Joseph Parker for Boxing News and Views. He spoke about current heavyweight champions, his next opponent Carlos Takam, Anthony Joshua and much more.
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What is your opinion on the current heavyweight champions, do you think it is only a matter of time until you challenge them?
“I have a lot of respect for all the champions but in order to be the best you have to fight the best. I would love and be grateful for the opportunity to fight any of these great athletes but again, it comes down to what our team decides is the best move for my future and career.”
You recently beat Jason Bergman, what did you think of your performance and what did you learn from the fight?
“I was happy with my performance against Jason Bergman in Samoa. He is a great man and athlete who I respect. He gave me a tough fight and through that I was able to break him down and get the win in the 8th round. This fight definitely taught me that fitness is key and I was also pleased the left hook was working a lot more.”
Rugby is New Zealand’s biggest sport, Sonny Bill Williams is rugby player and also a boxer. Do you think you two will ever fight and how big would it be in New Zealand if you both squared off?
“I don’t think Sonny and I would ever fight. I have a lot of respect for Sonny as he is a great all round athlete, especially with what he has managed to achieve in the rugby and boxing arenas. With that being said, I don’t think this fight is in the cards for either of us as we are two focused athletes pursuing our careers and dreams on individual paths.”
Anthony Joshua is on the rise and has a similar record to yourself, what do you think of him? Would you like to fight him and how would a fight go between you two heavy hitters?
“Anthony Joshua and I are on a similar path. He and his team are doing great things on the other side of the world. We may eventually meet up sometime in the near future and it’ll be an exciting fight. With two heavy hitters someone will get knocked out, and as everyone knows, it comes down to the best fighter on the night.”
Carlos Takam is you next opponent, what kind of test do you think he will give you and will the fight take place in New Zealand?
“My next opponent is Carlos Takam – A very experienced and skilled fighter who I believe will be my biggest test. Hopefully the fight will take place in NZ which is my home country and where my biggest support base is.”
Deontay Wilder recently beat Splizka with a devastating KO, what do you think of Wilder and could you be the man to beat him and take the title?
“Wilder is a heavyweight with heavy hands. It was a devastating KO against Spilka. If I had the opportunity to fight him I would train the house down and do my best to beat him.”
Evander Holyfield speaks very highly of you. What is it like to be backed by such a big name in the sport of boxing?
“Very humbling. I look up to Evander. He has accomplished a lot in the boxing world and to have him back/ support me is amazing.”
Just before we go, do you think Wladimir Klitschko will be champion again or has his time passed?
“He has done great things for the boxing world and has achieved numerous things throughout his career. No one knows what the future holds so we will have to wait and see, as everyone’s goals as different.”
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