Joseph Parker: record, next fight and profile →
Boxing great Larry Holmes is backing Joseph Parker to work his way through the volatile heavyweight ranks and become world champion. Parker fights France's Carlos Takam in an IBF eliminator on May 21 in Auckland, with Holmes indicating he'd like to come to New Zealand to see the fight that has major ramifications for the division.
British boxer Anthony Joshua's big win over Charles Martin is just what Joseph Parker's camp were after and has set the Kiwi heavyweight up for a "mega fight".
French boxer Carlos Takam says Joseph Parker and fighting in New Zealand hold no fears for him. Takam and Parker clash in south Auckland on May 21 in an IBF heavyweight eliminator.
Carlos Takam has broken his silence on his looming battle with Joseph Parker, saying New Zealand's rising heavyweight has made a mistake in taking him on. With the rival camps finally agreeing to a May 21 date in south Auckland for their crucial IBF heavyweight eliminator, it seems the trash talk has started.
Joseph Parker's heavyweight showdown with Carlos Takam could cost close to $2 million but promoters are confident of making a profit despite opting to stage the bout in a small arena.
Carlos Takam's camp are talking tough, predicting a knockout loss for Joseph Parker in the IBF heavyweight eliminator. Details for the Auckland fight on May 21 were to be confirmed at a media conference on Wednesday.
May 21 has officially become the night of the heavyweight. The latest event added to the mix is a terrific matchup in the form of a semifinal title elimination bout. Rising unbeaten contender Joseph Parker and veteran Carlos Takam will square off May 21 in Parker's hometown of Auckland, New Zealand.
Invercargill have been trumped by Auckland in a quest to host Joseph Parker's world title eliminator boxing bout in May. Parker's promoters Duco announced last month Parker will take on Frenchman Carlos Takam with the winner set to fight for the IBF world title against either Anthony Joshua or Charles Martin.
Duco Events are willing to put up more than $1m in money for the two fighters, pushing it beyond the million-dollar mark shared by David Tua and Shane Cameron for their 2009 extravaganza in Hamilton.
According to Dean Lonergan, promoter for undefeated heavyweight contender Joseph Parker, he made a lucrative offer to former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs - who rejected the terms without a counter-offer.