By Duncan Johnstone
Joseph Parker's body is evolving as fast as his boxing skills and rankings.
The New Zealand heavyweight has returned from his latest Las Vegas training camp in peak physical condition, unveiling his new look in Auckland.
Parker fronted the media ahead of his fight against Australian Bowie Tupou in Invercargill on August 1.
The improved muscle definition was there for all to see.
"Joe is looking like a real heavyweight now. But you don't get a body like that without hard work," trainer Kevin Barry said.
Barry allied any fears that Parker's physical development might hinder his hand speed and movement, key attributes that have taken him to No 8 with the WBO and No 10 with the WBA on the back of an unbeaten run over 14 professional fights.
Barry is confident that Parker will still enter the ring around the 106kg mark he fought at to quickly knock out Yakup Saglam in Palmerston North in June.
He said Parker had reduced his body fat and increased his muscle.
Having played around with weights last year without achieving the right results, Barry had turned to different methods to improve Parker's physique and the results are obvious.
"Most of the strength work we are doing is Joe using his own body weight through pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups," Barry said.
"Joe has seen the results and been inspired. He's also very, very disciplined with his protein shakes."
Barry said having a regular training partner in Izu Ugonoh had also proved inspirational with the two pushing each other with their work in and out of the ring.
Barry has taken personal pride in the development of Parker.
When he came on board as Parker's trainer in 2013 Barry had told the management team that it would take two years for the fighter to grow into his body.
"I remember standing him in front of a mirror before we fought Frans Botha and telling him to take a look at that person because he would not remember him in two years," Barry said.
"That is how it has played out."
Parker continues to impress his trainer with his skill-set.
"We've had a short camp since the last fight but Joe has taken it up another notch in sparring."
Parker is fighting a big man in Bowie Tupou who is expected to tip the scales at round 120kg at next week's weigh-in.
Tupou comes into the fight with a WBO ranking of 13 meaning there will be instant reward with that respected organisation for the winner.