Parker’s train is heading in right direction
Joseph Parker’s development hasn’t stalled, it’s more a case of him stepping into a level of competition considerably above where he was at and needing to make adjustments which he is doing. It’s notable that the three bigger names Parker has fought – and gone 12 rounds with to make major advances in his career standing – were all against fighters who have been avoided by boxers labelled better than Parker.
‘‘Gatekeeper’’ Carlos Takam was a relentless force, Andy Ruiz a rugged Mexican mongrel with ridiculous and speed defying his body shape, and Hughie Fury an elusive and awkward opponent who rarely wanted to engage. All three have the ability to make an opponent look ordinary and did that to Parker at various stages of the fights.
But Parker survived all three tests to set up a world title challenge, win that challenge and then defend his WBObelt.
Too much emphasis is placed on knockouts. Do the All Blacks win every test 57-0 like their recent demolition of the Springboks? Of course they don’t. They’ve been more than patchy this year – but they have kept on winning. Ugly wins can be as important as the golden days. They are the times when you learn more about yourself and your character.
There’s no shame in points decisions in boxing and going the distance helps development. Parker is maturing in many areas as he racks up the rounds.
Barry is a hugely respected trainer in the international scene. He is well connected in Las Vegas, which is boxing HQ, and knows the workings of the game in and out of the ring.
He has the trust of Parker, a great friendship and really, they are just getting going.
Barry doesn’t stand still, he is constantly tweaking camps, bringing new ideas and challenges to his fighter. Parker is sometimes guilty of not heeding that advice in the heat of the battle and reverting to instincts rather than the gameplan. But he is getting far better at carrying out instructions.
As for his relationship with Duco, he’s right where he wants to be. The friendly Parker isn’t blinded by loyalty, nor is he led astray. He has a huge say in every decision made in his career. He’s sensible with his earnings and focused on his future and confident in those around him.
He has faith in the often unorthodox thinking of his promoter David Higgins. Duco’s maneuvering to get the WBOtitle fight once the belt was vacated by Tyson Fury was absolute genius.
Their subsequent alliance with American promoting legend Bob Arum, another masterstroke. With some of their management now gone, Higgins needs to lean on Arum’s advice more and he is in the perfect position to do that now that they are free of fights they have been forced to take – firstly Ruiz and then the mandatory challenge of Fury, awkward opponents they would normally have avoided.
Parker, Barry and Duco are right where they want to be. This is the time to cash in. Freed of the nightmare that involved dealing with Fury’s stubborn promoters for the entire year, they have got past that potential hurdle and the world is literally theirs to explore and juicy options are out there.
Now is not the time to jump off a train that is firmly on the rails. Now is not the time to abandon the men driving that train. It is time for solidarity and sense.