Parker is perfect for Ruiz bout, says Barry
Kevin Barry is confident Joseph Parker has the tools to handle Andy Ruiz’s aggressive style as they eye a WBO world heavyweight title fight. Both camps are continuing positive negotiations towards a showdown in New Zealand.
The opportunity has presented itself with troubled champion Tyson Fury handing over his WBO and WBO belts as he lost his boxing licence last week.
The race is on to fight for the vacant belts and Parker’s No 1 ranking with the WBO puts him in the prime seat with that organisation, whatever route they take in a decision likely to be made at their annual convention in Puerto Rico this week which Duco Events boss Dean Lonergan will attend.
Parker’s trainer Barry said they had to keep their training options open given the uncertainty of boxing politics but ‘‘everything is looking like it’s going to be Ruiz’’.
While acknowledging the Mexican’s fast and heavy hands, Barry welcomed the considerable challenge that comes in the form of Ruiz. Ruiz doesn’t have the massive frame that dominates the top end of the division. In fact, he has the look of a chubby bully at times, such are his weight fluctuations.
Barry likes the feelgood factor in Team Parker as they move on from their 21st consecutive win, a three round demolition of giant Russian Alexander Dimtrneko.
‘‘The momentum at the moment is very positive and very strong in our team and we would love nothing more than to make this fight in December,’’ Barry told the Sunday Star-Times from Las Vegas where he has Parker back in camp with his stable-mate Izu Ugonoh.
‘‘When we look at the options and the way they have presented themselves, I like the style of Andy Ruiz for Joe.
‘‘I have a lot of respect for Andy. I know that he is a very skilful fighter, a former Olympian, and is undefeated as a pro. His looks are very very deceptive – he has very fast hands and good power to match. He’s a fighter that we will prepare very well for but his particular size and his come-forward style are two things I really like for Joe.’’
Barry said he was comfortable with the time frame in front of him, despite the ongoing uncertainty over an opponent.
They had planned to have Parker fighting giant Brit David Price or perhaps get their mandatory called to front for a world title fight against IBF champion Anthony Joshua. But Joshua’s decision to chase Wladimir Klitschko in the wake of Fury’s demise, forced a clever change of plan to target the WBO route to a title.
‘‘We have got plenty of time. We are not panicking. I still have some big, tall sparring partners on hold and I have some six foot sparring partners on hold too. So we are covering our bases,’’ Barry said.