‘Softie’ Parker revels in joys of fatherhood

Joseph Parker has an added incentive to beat Anthony Joshua – the New Zealand heavyweight boxing star has a second child on the way.

Parker’s partner Laine is pregnant. She is at home in New Zealand looking after their daughter Elizabeth who is now 16 months while Parker completes his Las Vegas training camp ahead of his April 1 clash with Joshua in Cardiff.

Parker is guarded about his family but has opened up in a British media interview about his desire to provide for his loved ones.

Parker revealed to News Corp in the UK that he had bought a new home for his family and planned a fancy playground for his children.

‘‘I’ve bought a big house for them,’’ the 26-year-old said.

‘‘I’ve already looked online and bought a big playground for them that I’m going to build when I get back after the fight.

‘‘So far it’s got two swings and a slide. Next thing I’m going to get is a trampoline.

‘‘It’s almost like I’m going to be a child again.’’

Parker said the hardest part about his training in the United States was time away from his family, though he makes daily Skype calls home.

‘‘I’m missing out on the growing up, taking first steps and all that,’’ Parker said.

‘‘It’s tough but I just keep reminding myself I’m doing all of this to give them a better future.’’

Parker admitted the arrival of his first child in November 2016 on the eve of his world title fight with Andy Ruiz, had changed him, turning him into a bit of a ‘‘softie’’.

‘‘I would die for my daughter, I love her that much,’’ he said.

‘‘But that being said, it hasn’t softened me in the boxing ring.

‘‘I’m still vicious and I still want to knock people out - only now I’m doing it all for my family.’’