Joseph Parker has a point to prove.
The 26-year-old Samoan-New Zealander is a man without a world title after losing his WBO heavyweight belt, in March, to the divisional number one Anthony Joshua.
The fight, in front of 80,000 people at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, was Parker’s second in the UK, after beating Hughie Fury, and his opportunity to claim the throne that Joshua has sat upon since his memorable win against Wladimir Klitschko.
However, while Joshua vs. Klitschko will be talked about in the years to come, Joshua vs. Parker, sadly, will not.
Parker was never in any real danger of becoming the 21st knockout victim of Joshua’s. The cautiousness of the Brit fended off Parker’s aggression which didn’t quite go to plan. In the end, Joshua ran out a comfortable points winner. It was a night where the event will be remembered more than the fight itself.
Now, for what will be his third consecutive fight in the UK, this time against Dillian Whyte on July 28 at London’s O2 Arena, Parker is ready to become more “mongrel” and show boxing fans what he wishes they could have seen back in March.
Joseph Parker interview: I'm ready to beat Dillian Whyte in incredible fashion
Joseph Parker is ready to knock Dillian Whyte out in incredible fashion