Fury’s win inspires Parker to raise game

Words of encouragement from Tyson Fury have Joseph Parker primed for a second run at the world heavyweight title.

Fury confirmed he is the man to beat with his stunning TKO of American Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas last weekend to win the WBC belt.

Parker, the former WBO champion, looks to ignite his stalled career with a win over North American champion Shawndell Winters in Frisco, Texas, this weekend (2pm Sunday NZ time).

That task comes with a word of warning from Fury but also a desire to see them take co-charge of the division.

Fury kept a promise to good friend Parker by meeting the Kiwi after the dramatic win over Wilder, taking some photos together and chatting about the heated heavyweight ranks that are now capturing the attention of the general sporting public as well as boxing fans.

‘‘Tyson’s advice to me was not to take this fight lightly, even though people don’t know about him [Winters], every fight is a hard fight,’’ Parker said after a lively training session in Frisco.

‘‘He also said he wants me to go and win the other world titles, so we can both run the division.’’

Parker, 28, feels he is in the mix to cause some damage if he can get an opportunity.

‘‘The division is on fire at the moment and I see myself at the top, in the top five in the world. I belong there,’’ Parker said.

‘‘The plan is to get a good result on the weekend and make the bigger fights happen. But I believe I’m right up there . . . we’re ranked at No 2 with the WBO and that’s a good starting point to be getting back to the world title.’’

While there has been no bigger comeback than Fury’s charge from the depths of despair to a second world title, Parker felt he could take further inspiration from the manner of the win. The division’s most scientific boxer added impressive power to batter Wilder into submission.

Parker, a good mover himself and with a lightning jab, has had questions about his power game thrown at him over the last few years with many feeling that is the missing ingredient to him ruling the rankings.

‘‘It’s just about switching what is up in here,’’ Parker said, tapping his head.

‘‘The division is on fire at the moment and I see myself at the top, in the top five in the world.’’

Joseph Parker, right, with Tyson Fury

‘‘He [Fury] changed it up which worked really well for him. I’ve told myself I have to change it up as well.

‘‘I’ve had a lot of help from the team, my coach, the strength and conditioning coach and everyone that is involved, but ultimately there’s something up here that has to be switched.’’

Parker’s link to British promoter Eddie Hearn gives him hope of being in the elite mix as thoughts turn to what happens next.

Wilder wants to trigger his rematch option but Parker, like many, preferred to see Fury and fellow Brit Anthony Joshua, who has the WBO, WBA and IBF titles, clash in a super fight to finally find one true champion.

Parker would like nothing more than to be on the undercard of that fight.

Right now, it’s Fury’s warning that is ringing in Parker’s head.

‘‘A lot of the pressure is on myself because no-one knows a lot about Shawndell Winters. Even though he has had two good wins against undefeated fighters and with 12 knockouts in 13 wins, people still don’t know who he is. It’s like, Joseph is fighting who?

‘‘I’m expected to win but if you take him lightly trouble happens.’’