Kiwi fighter visualises knockout triumph

Joseph Parker is adamant a knockout victory is coming against Hughie Fury, he’s just pondering the timing and the method.

Parker defends his WBO world heavyweight belt against the lanky Brit in Manchester on Sunday (NZT).

Both fighters expressed extreme confidence when they fronted an action-packed press conference in London yesterday.

Bravado goes with this game. Fury’s slight height difference was noticeable but Parker looked to have an edge in the muscle department. He believes he has found more power to his punching now he’s rid of his elbow and shoulder issues and plans to utilise that.

‘‘I’m going to knock him out. I’m not sure what round, between one and 12,’’ Parker said to the amusement of his largely British audience.

Visualisation is a key ingredient of Parker’s repertoire these days and he says that will sharpen as fight week plays out.

‘‘Rest is the most important thing now, the hard work has been done,’’ Parker said.

‘‘Rest and getting the mind right, just getting the images in my head how I’m going to knock him out. Whether it’s the body shot or if it’s the head ... on the chin or nose, I don’t know. Just images in my head, visualising and pick which one I like the most.’’

Parker said he and Fury had trimmed up since they last met in Manchester 10 weeks ago to promote the fight but he believed he was in better nick than his opponent.

‘‘He looks in good shape. But I feel like I’m in better shape’ let’s see at the weigh-in.

‘‘We adjusted the training at this camp, changed things around with the weights, worked with some kettle bells and I feel like the power is there.

‘‘My sparring partners felt like there was more power, and it’s good to get that feedback.

‘‘I just feel like I’m punching harder. Ask Kevin’s gut, it will tell you,’’ he added with a chuckle in reference to the body shots his trainer Kevin Barry has add to endure daily – with the luxury of a giant guard.