Nathan an essential member of Team Parker

World boxing champion Joseph Parker says a young Samoan man with Down syndrome will be part of his ring walk for the rest of his heavyweight career.

Nathan Keil, above, with Parker and David Letele, led Parker into the ring last weekend, flanked by two of the fighter’s uncles who have become regulars in his pre-fight entrance.

The scene saw Keil take centre stage ahead of Parker’s WBO title fight against Andy Ruiz jnr at Vector Arena.

After meeting Nathan in Samoa a year ago through his father — Samoan TV station owner Hans Joachim “Joe” Keil — Parker says he and the Keils have become great friends.

The boxer regards 31-year-old Keil as a key member of “Team Parker”.

“Nathan enjoys it. After the fight he tells me that he’s thankful and that he loves me. For me that’s really special,” Parker told the Herald on

Sunday. Keil, who lives in Lotopa near Apia, has also led David Tua into the ring — and is linked to wrestler-turned Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“When The Rock came to Samoa, Nathan got on stage and started dancing with him,” Joe Keil said.

Joe, and Nathan’s mother, Celine are incredibly proud of their son, and of Tua and Parker for helping promote awareness for people with special needs.

“Folks with special needs see Nathan walking in with these famous people and they can rejoice that one of their own can be included with ‘normal’ and well-known people,” Celine said.

“He loves the limelight but he also loves Joseph because he treats him like an equal.”

Celine said Nathan faces daily struggles, but she could not be more impressed with how he handles life.

Joe said Nathan is a “blessing on this family, who brings light and love into our house”.