The Rambo factor in Parker’s corner
In an exclusive column, Joseph Parker explain’s what’s really driving his second tilt at a world title run.
It’s time to be a bit selfish. I believe that’s the attitude that is going to take me back to where I belong – at the top of the heavyweight division. I’m in the second phase of my career now and I’ve had to hit the reset button. I’ve had a long hard look at myself and have made adjustments within. Things you won’t see from the outside but things I’m sure will make a difference when I step into the ring, starting today in Frisco, Texas, when I take on Shawndell Winters today.
I have to admit that in the past I’ve been guilty of not being fully focused on what I had to do. One day people will understand — but that’s a story for another time.
I guess I suffered a bit of what many other champions have. When you’ve won something you have been aiming to achieve your whole life, it’s like, ‘‘OK I’ve done that, now it’s time to relax’’.
But there’s no more relaxing. I’m on a drive to get a world title back and I can assure you I have that drive. It’s a different kind of motivation that I didn’t really have before I won the WBO world title and even when I had that belt.
So I’m ready to push the turbo button because I’ve seen that time waits for no-one in this heated heavyweight division. I want this badly and I’ve given myself three or four years to achieve it, so I have to make every fight count.
I want it more than I’ve ever wanted it before. I want it for myself more than I want it for my dad and my family, my team and my country. I want to do it for me.
Selfish? Yes, but circumstances demand that now. It’s my motivation.
I’ve been stalled for too long with just one fight last year. But that’s for reasons we couldn’t control and as an athlete you have to accept that now and then.
But it has been very frustrating and I intend to take those frustrations out on Shawndell Winters today. I’m so eager to get back in the ring and throw that first punch.
Respect to him, he really backs himself and believes he can take care of business.
I don’t think so although I’m fully aware that the risk factor is huge for me. He’s an opponent I’m not just expected to beat, I’m expected to look good doing it.
So there is pressure — but I’m lapping that up. I know how huge the stakes are. My career is on the line right here in many ways.
If I can’t beat someone like Shawndell it will be a disaster and people will think I’m finished. It would take three to five years to come back from a defeat today. I’m not even contemplating that. I have a comeback opportunity right now with my current deal with Matchroom. This is my chance to impress and I must take it.
I’m one fight behind schedule after that spider bite hiccup, so it’s time to make up some lost ground. Do the business today and bigger doors will open.
This year I’m looking at keeping busy, getting back on schedule, and hopefully pushing for fights at the right time to get back into the title mix again.
I must say it’s nice to be fighting in the United States with the short travel, compared to the long hauls to Britain that I’ve been doing the last few years.
And I have an American dream. There are many great boxing venues but to me, Las Vegas is the mecca of modern boxing. I spend so much time in Vegas, living and training. I’ve seen huge fights there, but I’ve never been inside the ropes there myself.
My dream is to fight in Vegas in front of a big crowd, put in a great performance and win. That’s one of my goals and the first step towards that must be taken today. Parker v Winters, Sky Arena, Sunday, ring walk at 2pm
I’m ready to push the turbo button because I’ve seen that time waits for no-one in this heated heavyweight division. I want this badly and I’ve given myself three or four years to achieve it . . .