Fight future

John Landrigan | 19th December 2009

Joseph Parker impressed us at The Aucklander with his physical stature and impeccable manners when we met in June.

At only 17 years old, the Papatoetoe lad and Marcellin College year 13 student had already beaten three times heavyweight champion, nine years his senior, Yamiko Chinula.

Since then he has gone on to train at the Australian Institute of Sport and beaten
Australian fighters.

"I've learnt heaps of different techniques and ways of training. I've improved my footwork and am fighting more on my toes.''

The 1.91m tall and 98kg fighter narrowly lost to current New Zealand super heavyweight
champion Junior Fa at the New Zealand nationals.

But he beat Mr Fa in front of a large crowd at David Tua's tsunami fundraising boxing appeal at North Shore Stadium.

"I beat him by points but gave him a standing count in the second round,'' says the
promising amateur.

Joseph says he received a letter from Boxing New Zealand, saying a good showing at
the February 2010 Oceania championships will ensure a spot at the Commonwealth Games later that year.

"I've been doing some hard out training. I'm preparing for the Oceania champs and then on to the Commonwealth Games.''