Joseph Parker seeks opportunities at heavyweight
03
Mar
Now that the Klitschko chokehold on the heavyweight titles has been released, the development of young gun heavies has been accelerated.
You might have noted that when you saw that 15-0 Anthony Joshua snagged himself a title shot against “Prince” Charles Martin, on April 9, in England.
Another guy who has been placed into the fast lane of advancement, to a degree, is New Zealand heavy Joseph Parker. He’s 6-foot-4, 230 pounds and looks the part as a possible titleholder in the marquee division, which traditionally houses “Baddest Men on the Planet”-types.
Parker is just 24; he turned pro in 2012 and is being tutored by Kevin Barry, best known for his lengthy association with bomber David Tua, an upper echelon heavyweight in the 90s into the 2000s. Barry likes his newest hopeful and his chances to get a “W” over the more seasoned Carlos Takam (33-2-1, with 25 knockouts). “Joseph has been fighting well within himself the last three years. It’s a big step up but Takam will bring out the best Joseph Parker.”
HBO’s Max Kellerman has had Parker on his short list of potential breakout hitters among young heavyweights. I asked him for a Parker assessment. “Aggressive, explosive. Still a little too much in front of the other guy. Great to have him in the heavyweight division.”
No date and site has been selected for the Parker-Takam tiff. The winner is in a position to get a crack at the winner of the Martin-Joshua tangle.
I know sagacious types who think Takam, 35, throws Parker a setback. The NZ hopeful is aggressive, puts punches together, is getting a good command of patience, works the body with both hands and it seems his pop is above average. Of course, against aged Frans Bothas and Kali Meehans, one can stay patient and the power rates highly. Takam is older but not as faded.
This prospect-versus-decent vet contest is yet another heavyweight face-off which takes place in a new context and is thus that much more intriguing. The Klitschko chokehold is off and the scramble to succeed him has invigorated the division. Opportunities abound and the possibility for future stars being born has quickened. Put Parker on your watch list because he will get a chance to gain market share. Whether or not he obtains it, that’s up to him.
Michael Woods asked HBO’s Max Kellerman for a Woodsy assessment. “I loved those ‘Give a hoot; don’t pollute’ commercials you did years ago,” said Max.