Parker Set To Join Wladimir Klitschko's Camp Next Week

By Duncan Johntsone

New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker will be in good company when he joins world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko's training camp next week.

Details of Klitschko's sparring stable have emerged as he begins his intense buildup for his title defence against unbeaten American Bryant Jennings in New York on April 25.

Parker heads from his Las Vegas base to Florida for the training camp, hoping to be involved for about three weeks and looking to learn plenty from the dominant champion's methods.

Ukrainian sources have revealed four sparring partners for of Klitschko, with Parker, undefeated over 13 fights with 11 knockouts and rising in the rankings, expected to be a key figure.

It's understood that Parker's good friend, Poland-raised Nigerian Izuagbe Ugonoh, is also in the mix.

The tall and athletic Ugonoh joined Parker under the tutelage of New Zealand trainer Kevin Barry last year and has fought twice in New Zealand, adding two easy victories to take his record to 11-0 with nine knockouts.

Undefeated Russian light heavyweight Umar Salamov (12-0, 10 KOs) and once-defeated Georgian cruiserweight Yago Kiladze (22-1, 15 KOs) are also reportedly entering the training ring with Klitschko.

Klitschko, who turned 39 last Tuesday, is looking for his 18th title defence against Jennings who has won all 19 of his fights with 10 knockouts.

Klitschko holds the WBA Super, WBO, IBF and IBO belts and is looking to dispose of Jennings to set up a fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder (US) to become the undisputed champion, unifying all of the organisations' titles.

Parker will use this golden opportunity to prepare for his next fight which has been scheduled for Palmerston North on June 13.

No opponent has been named for Parker who is ranked No 8 with the WBO and No 10 with the WBA and is eager to make some headway on the rankings of the other organisations to help manoeuvre him towards a title opportunity of his own.