By Edward Chaykovsky
While most insiders are focused on rising heavyweight prospect Anthony Joshua, unbeaten puncher Joseph Parker (17-0, 15KOs) is making a lot of noise as well and scoring some very quick knockouts.
Parker has already established that he can go ten rounds and able to fight overseas when needed. The majority of his fights have been held in New Zealand, but he's fought twice in the United States and once in Germany.
Like Joshua, Parker is not that far away from earning a world title shot. He is climbing up the rankings quite rapidly and feels confident that he can beat any of the top heavyweights right now. The WBO has him ranked in the number 3 position.
"I'm getting more confident in what I can do in the ring and that just comes with hard work and training. I believe it when I say I can beat anyone if I have a great training camp. I can beat Tyson Fury, [Wladimir] Klitschko, I can beat [Deontay] Wilder. I just need a great training camp and I know I can do the job," Parker told Newstalk ZB.
He returns to action on January 23rd against Jason Bergman at the Faleata Sports Complex in Apia.
Parker has received criticism regarding his opposition. There have been a few fights where his opponents appeared to intentionally go down, likely from feeling overwhelmed by his power and aggression.
He promises the opponents are going to get better and more durable in 2016.
"I know a lot of people that watch my fights are frustrated that the fights end quickly but I can promise you this year we're definitely going to step up the opponents and it's going to be a lot more interesting fights. We're getting closer to that goal of being champion of the world and I think this year we can make some big noise around the world," Parker said.