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Knockout king Joseph Parker flew back into Auckland yesterday as he counts down to defending his boxing world title for the first time.
There was little fanfare at Auckland International Airport for Parker, who won the WBO heavyweight title belt in December.
The low-key welcome was a million miles from the standing ovation expected from 10,000 fans, including his parents, when he walks into the ring to face British boxer Hughie Fury at Auckland’s Spark Arena on May 6.
Parker is in town to put the finishing touches to his fight plan after lengthy training in Las Vegas.
“Preparation has been amazing, we’re in great shape mentally and physically. I’m excited to get into the ring and let my hands go,” the champ said.
The fight isn’t the only major event on Parker’s schedule — he will be spending precious time with his baby daughter, Elizabeth Ah-Sue Sala Parker, who was born a month before he was crowned world champion late last year.
As he prepares for his title defence, Parker wasted little time in landing a jab on the mouth of renowned promoter Frank Warren, who handles Fury.
Warren had warned that his charge would be too powerful for the much-loved Kiwi boxer.
“They can say whatever they want,” Parker said.
“I guess they believe in their fighter and have faith in him, but there’s only one way to find out — and that’s come to New Zealand and test me out. Then you’ll see who the better fighter is on the day.”
Parker copped criticism for a slow start against David Ruiz jnr in December. This time, he suggested he would be more aggressive and take the fight to Fury.
“He’s a fighter who likes to use his reach and his height. He actually uses the ring quite well. It’s going to be one of those fights where I’ll need to be assertive and execute the plan we put in place,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a challenge.”