Joseph Parker is one of the most in-form heavyweight boxers right now.
The 32-year-old was once the WBO heavyweight champion of the world when in December 2016 he beat Andy Ruiz for the vacant belt.
After defences against Razvan Cojanu and Hughie Fury he was dispossessed by Anthony Joshua over 12 rounds – the first man to take the Brit the distance.
Since then he has suffered losses to Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce, but an impressive link up with coach Andy Lee led him to solid wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang most recently. Having defeated two of the hardest hitters in the sport, Parker deserves a big fight against another top dog, but it’s an up and comer that his him in his sights.
Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Promoter Frank Warren has revealed that his charge Moses Itauma wants the New Zealander next.
“His next fight – the one he’s told me he wants is Joseph Parker. You heard it right. That’s what he said. That’s what he was talking about and he said, ‘I really, really fancy that fight.’ I think it’s a big reality within the next 12 months. If he keeps doing what he’s doing. I don’t wanna rush him because he’s obviously very young. And still, as far as maturing as a man, that’s still to come.”
Itauma is still just 19 years old. He has a record of 10 wins with no losses and 8 KOs. Last time out, the young Brit stopped the usually very durable Mariusz Wach in just two rounds, which is quicker than anyone ever has.
“He’s still a teenager, he’s 19 years of age. But it’s the power he’s got, the strength, and the composure he has. He’s got a fabulous jab and that’s what I was really impressed with in his last fight. You get a lot of guys, especially big punchers, when they’re enthusiastic and young, they throw their shots and sort of fall in and fall on the opponent, rather than get their distance. But he works off his jab and he picks his shots really well.”
A fight with Parker would be his sternest test to date, but whether Parker wants to take the risk for little reward is another matter.
