Parker hits back at critics
New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has brushed off criticism of his recent loss and reiterated a desire to return to action before the end of the year.
Parker lost to Britain’s Dillian Whyte via a unanimous points decision, suffering his second defeat in as many fights to send his professional record to 24-2.
Parker copped a fair amount of criticism over his mixed performance with even one of his most ardent supporters, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, questioning the fighter’s fitness and work of his trainer Kevin Barry.
Malielegaoi felt Barry had ‘‘reached the end of his knowledge and know how in boxing, he needs to go’’.
Others have suggested Parker is ‘‘too nice’’.
‘‘Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect the Prime Minister and his opinion and everyone else with their opinion, but we’ll see what happens moving forward,’’ he said.
Parker, 26, felt their tactics had been right against Whyte though he had been put off his game by the clash of heads at the end of the second round that sent him to the canvas.
‘‘From the beginning until the foul happened, for me there was no point to question all that. I’m not complaining or anything because it’s all part of boxing,’’ Parker said.
Parker said he was enjoying some quality time with his new daughter and family.
He has made it clear he still sees a future for himself in the competitive heavyweight division where he is a former WBO champion.