Joseph Parker Shoulder Scare During Training Session

By Duncan Johnstone

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has suffered an injury scare six days out from his next fight with a shoulder problem bringing an instant halt to his training in Auckland today.

The 22-year-old was into the fourth round of pad work with trainer Kevin Barry when he pulled out gripping his shoulder in obvious pain.

Parker lay on the floor as ice was administered to the shoulder.

He was whisked away, hoping it would settle but his management were eager to have the injury assessed by Dr John Mayhew, the top sports doctor who has worked with the All Blacks and is the current Warriors physician.

Parker is due to fight Sherman Williams in west Auckland on Thursday night.

At this stage the injury isn't thought to be fight-threatening though Barry said no risks would be taken.

Parker has had similar troubles with the shoulder in the past - described as a pinch nerve - and it has come right.

''We'll let it settle down and see how it goes,'' a concerned Barry said.

Parker has had the shoulder scanned previously but avoided surgery.

''Joe has had it before ... it's an inflammation of a tendon but it's not been serious enough to get an operation.

''It usually takes a couple of days to come right. Let's not jump to conclusions. But it's not ideal ... it's put a bit of a dampener on the workout.''

With Parker on an unbeaten streak of 10 wins and making big moves, there will be obvious caution, especially against a seasoned campaigner like Williams, the 42-year-old from the Bahamas who has 52 pro fights to his name.

''Six days (to go) is a bunch of time. But no, we won't take any risks. This guy (Williams) is an ultra durable, tough veteran. This fight was picked because of that. I want Joe's jab to be at it's best.''

The left shoulder powers Parker's jab which has won praise from some of the bets in the business, including former world champion Larry Holmes who Parker met on his recent trip to the United States.

Barry was left shaking his head because Parker had been showing everything he wanted as he tapers down his training in Auckland on the back of a solid camp in Las Vegas.

''He was very sharp today. I've been very pleased with the buildup,'' Barry said.