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Once again, Joseph Parker is stepping out of David Tua's shadow.
The future of New Zealand boxing is set to fight twice more this year. Neither will be on Tua's undercard.
Tua's calf injury and subsequent postponement has altered Parker's plans. Not drastically, though. If anything, his revised strategy will only further fuel appetite to view the 21-year-old's budding talents.
Parker's quest for the New Zealand National Boxing Federation title, held by Afa Tatupu, is expected to be confirmed for October on Tuesday.
"It's always been a goal. In my first year as a pro it's great to get the opportunity to fight for the title," Parker said after arriving home for a week yesterday.
After an intensive seven week training camp with trainer Kevin Barry in Las Vegas, where he's run over 200 miles and sparred 80 rounds with the likes of former WBA and WBO champion Sergei Liakhovich, Parker doesn't want to stall his progress.
Rather than wait for Tua's rescheduled do-or-die match-up with Alexander Ustinov November 16, Parker will take on Tatupu in his first 10 round fight next month. If all goes to plan, he will then fight a seasoned campaigner in late November.
"His second fight will be the big one," Barry said. "I needed something at the end of the year to solidify what we've accomplished this year. We're going to fight an experienced fighter; a guy with good credentials. Someone that Joseph can show everyone how far he's come this year. It will be his big challenge for the year. [Click Here To Read More]
The future of New Zealand boxing is set to fight twice more this year. Neither will be on Tua's undercard.
Tua's calf injury and subsequent postponement has altered Parker's plans. Not drastically, though. If anything, his revised strategy will only further fuel appetite to view the 21-year-old's budding talents.
Parker's quest for the New Zealand National Boxing Federation title, held by Afa Tatupu, is expected to be confirmed for October on Tuesday.
"It's always been a goal. In my first year as a pro it's great to get the opportunity to fight for the title," Parker said after arriving home for a week yesterday.
After an intensive seven week training camp with trainer Kevin Barry in Las Vegas, where he's run over 200 miles and sparred 80 rounds with the likes of former WBA and WBO champion Sergei Liakhovich, Parker doesn't want to stall his progress.
Rather than wait for Tua's rescheduled do-or-die match-up with Alexander Ustinov November 16, Parker will take on Tatupu in his first 10 round fight next month. If all goes to plan, he will then fight a seasoned campaigner in late November.
"His second fight will be the big one," Barry said. "I needed something at the end of the year to solidify what we've accomplished this year. We're going to fight an experienced fighter; a guy with good credentials. Someone that Joseph can show everyone how far he's come this year. It will be his big challenge for the year. [Click Here To Read More]
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