By Duncan Johnstone
Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has started the year with a bang, leaping to No 6 on the IBF rankings.
It's another significant move by the 23-year-old as he prepares to open a busy year with a January 23 fight against American southpaw Jason Bergman in Samoa.
The sanctioning bodies have just updated their rankings and Parker lifts four places from No 10 with the IBF to be at No 6.
He is rated by all four major bodies with the improvement in IBF ratings coming alongside a No 3 ranking with the WBO, No 10 with the WBC and No 12 with the WBA.
"It's a great way to start the year," Parker's trainer Kevin Barry said of the big jump on the IBF list.
Parker's handlers are eager to manoeuvre him close to a title fight by the end of the year.
The division was rocked by Britain's Tyson Fury scoring a unanimous points decision against long-standing champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Their rematch will have a significant influence on the way the heavyweight ranks shape but Parker is clearly positioned well to maximise any opportunities.
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Parker is 17-0 with 15 knockouts. His handlers Duco Events are committed to increasing the class of his opponents with an eye to having him ready to challenge for a world title.
Parker growing respect in Europe is reflected in a article produced by specialist Irish sporting website The42.ie, where they list Parker alongside rising British star Anthony Joshua as "one to watch".
"Explosive Joseph Parker and it's a name worth remembering," they said, adding that "New Zealand hasn't had a talent like him since David Tua burst on to the heavyweight scene 20 years ago."
They said a matchup against Joshua appeared inevitable and would be "tasty".
"Don't discount the New Zealander … he is blessed with speed and power, is in capable hands with former Olympic medallist (silver in Los Angeles, 1984) Kevin Barry in his corner.
"The orthodox fighter has swatted aside all rivals before him to date with his last five bouts only lasting a combined 12 rounds. Most of Parker's fights have taken place in New Zealand so he is still under the radar in the grand scheme of things.
"New Zealand is already excited about this guy, it's time the rest of the world was too."