A longer camp with trainer Andy Lee will be key, says Joe Parker
BetfredTV have been speaking to former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (29-2, 21KOs) ahead of his rematch with Dereck Chisora (32-11, 23KOs) at the AO Arena in Manchester on December 18.
The New Zealander revealed exactly what he feels will prove to be the difference in this return fight with 'Del-Boy'. In their first fight, on May 1st, 'WAR' Chisora lived up to his alias by dropping Parker in the first 10 seconds, but the 'Kiwi' came on strong in the later rounds to win on points.
This time around, the 29-year-old feels there is a significant factor that will prove the difference in an improved performance in the rematch, in which each fighter promises it won't reach the final bell.
Joseph Parker on what people will see differently from himself in the rematch against Derek Chisora, compared to the first fight
“In the first fight we [Andy Lee] didn’t have the longest camp together. We were all getting to know each other and then had to get ready for the fight. A longer camp this time around will be a lot more beneficial as I’m understanding a lot more what Andy is trying to teach me. I’ve been working really hard every day of every week, putting in some great work with the team I have here. A longer camp is going to be way better for me.”
Joseph Parker on what Andy Lee has added to his boxing attributes
“I had a lot in my game when I was training in Las Vegas under Kevin Barry but it’s always good to get a different view on things and a different approach. As a fighter I’m very excited because I have a lot more to give and I just needed a bit of a refreshing start and that’s what I’ve been getting from Andy. Obviously he’s been in the ring himself and he’s been a world champion, so he can teach me things that he learnt from being a fighter. I’m excited from what I’ve been seeing and feeling in the gym and I just want to put it on display.”
Joseph Parker’s prediction for his rematch with Derek Chisora
“If I do what I know I can do then it’s not going to go the distance and he feels the same way. I feel good. I feel great. There’s no short camp, there’s no issues, there’s no problems. Everything is on track so I feel like I’m going to put on a good performance. I just want to go out there and I just want to fight.”
Joseph Parker on his ambitions to be a world champion
“I just want to be involved. I know that belts are hard up at the top but I just want to be involved in the biggest fights and fight the best fighters up there. The only way to get towards the titles is by fighting the best and I know there’s a few ranked above me but firstly I just want to get [Derek] Chisora out the way in good fashion.”
Joseph Parker on whether we will see a heavyweight unification fight in the next year
“Everybody wants to see a unification fight but there’s just a lot of moving parts. There are a lot of negotiations that have to happen behind the scenes and that includes the fighters, the management, promotional teams and networks. If everyone can come together and agree then we may see a unification fight some time soon hopefully.”
How to watch Parker-Chisora 2
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