This weekend, the world watches as Anthony Joshua faces Joseph Parker in a massive heavyweight unification clash. Most boxing fans know everything there is to know about AJ — but who exactly is Joseph Parker?
Here’s a breakdown of how the New Zealander went from amateur standout to WBO world champion, and what we can expect from him on Saturday night.
From Auckland to Las Vegas
Born and raised in South Auckland, Parker made his mark early, collecting 66 wins as an amateur before turning pro in 2012 at just 20 years old. He won his debut in style — a second-round knockout of Dean Garmonsway — and never looked back.
Within a year, he’d already picked up his first title — stopping Afa Tatupu to claim the New Zealand National Boxing Federation belt. It was a brutal encounter, but it proved something crucial: Parker could take a shot and keep coming.
Racking Up Regional Titles
Between 2013 and 2016, Parker kept busy and built an impressive résumé. He collected a string of regional titles — WBO Oriental, WBA Oceania, OPBF, and even the WBC’s Eurasia belt — beating solid names and showing consistent improvement.
By the time 2016 rolled around, Parker was knocking on the door of a world title shot.
A World Title on Home Soil
When Tyson Fury vacated the WBO belt following his win over Klitschko, Parker was next in line. On 10 December 2016, he fought Andy Ruiz Jr in Auckland for the vacant title. It was only the second time in history that a major heavyweight title fight had taken place in New Zealand.
Neither fighter fully stamped their authority, but Parker edged it on the cards — winning a majority decision (114-114, 115-113 x2) to become New Zealand’s first heavyweight world champion.
Mandatory Defences, Mixed Performances
Parker’s first defence was meant to be against Hughie Fury, but a late withdrawal saw him face Razvan Cojanu instead. It wasn’t a great showing — Parker won comfortably on points, but never looked like closing the show.
He eventually did face Fury in Manchester in 2017 and once again came out with a majority decision win. But just like the Cojanu fight, the performance raised more questions than answers. Many felt Fury had done enough to win, and the result split opinion.
Can He Beat Joshua?
That’s the million-pound question. Parker has the movement, hand speed, and chin — but will that be enough to trouble Joshua, especially on UK soil?
Whatever happens, Parker has already achieved a lot. But if he wants to be considered one of the best heavyweights of this era, he needs to deliver the performance of his life this weekend.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments — can Parker pull it off? Or will Joshua prove too much?
Thanks Chris helps a lot as don’t know much about him but looking forward to watching the fight cheers mate.