Alexander Dimitrenko: record, next fight and profile →
On October 1st, at Vodafone Events Centre, South Auckland world rated heavyweight and IBF mandatory challenger Joseph Parker faces off against the towering colossus that is Russian Alexander Dimitrenko in a fight that Parker’s team has taken in a bid to acclimatise their man for the size and bulk that is IBF champion Anthony Joshua.
Promoter Dean Lonergan of Duco Events explained there's a bit on Joseph Parker's plate at the moment in the form of Alexander Dimitrenko on October 1st in Auckland.
Joseph Parker's handlers expect him to face a real test when he squares off against giant Ukrainian Alexander Dimitrenko on October 1. Dimitrenko, who stands at 2.01 metres, will be the biggest challenge from a height perspective in Parker's career.
A gentle giant outside the ring, Alexander Dimitrenko is promising to be more than another stepping stone for Joseph Parker. Dimitrenko, the 2.01m veteran who identifies with Russia and not Ukraine due to the conflict between the two Eastern European countries, made his first appearance in New Zealand on Wednesday ahead of the October 1 fight in Manukau.
Before scaling the highest peaks of heavyweight boxing, Joseph Parker must first turn axeman and chop a giant Ukrainian down to size. As far as mountaineering goes Alexander Dimitrenko represents one of the tallest tests Parker will face. But is by no means the most skilful.
Solomon Haumono's protest against his knockout loss to Joseph Parker is laughable, according to the unbeaten heavyweight boxer's trainer. The 24-year-old New Zealander Parker felled the former NRL star in four rounds in Christchurch, knocking him down with a crisp uppercut after dominating the preceding rounds.
As far as big challenges go, they don't come much bigger for Joseph Parker than Alexander Dimitrenko. The Ukrainian was confirmed as Parker's next opponent, with the two due to meet on October 1 in a 12-round bout at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, the same venue where Parker beat Carlos Takam to secure the IBF No 1 mandatory position in May.
A giant sportsman from the old eastern bloc could be next in line to take on Joseph Parker as the Kiwi edges towards a title shot. Solomon Haumono portrayed himself as 'Rocky' while Joseph Parker played 'Apollo Creed' in a promotional clip before their heavyweight clash, and the cinematic connection may soon get another chapter.
Finnish veteran Juho Haapoja (26-7-2) will again take on Hungarian puncher Tamas Lodi (18-7-2). The rematch tops a Loud´n Live promotion in Seinajoki September 17. Lodi won their first fight on a third round knockout.
German heavyweight Alexander Dimitrenko is, according to boxwelt.com, not fighting former world champion Shannon Briggs on May 21 in London. Boxwelt quotes Dimitrenko´s legal representative Lukke Moerschner, who states that his client has never even been contacted in regards to fighting Briggs on David Haye's undercard.