Table of Contents
- Joseph Parker's Resurgence
- Recent Fight History
- Training and Preparation
- Family Support
- Future Goals
JOSEPH PARKER’S comeback was ignited by a snub in Saudi Arabia — when he was hired but was openly expected to LOSE.
The 33-year-old New Zealander fought on the same 2023 Riyadh card as the clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
Joseph Parker is set to face Fabio Wardley this weekendCredit: Getty
Parker, 33, defeated Deontay Wilder in December 2023Credit: AFP
These two former world heavyweight champions were expected to win their respective semi-finals and then announce a long-awaited match in the ring.
AJ fulfilled his part of the deal, but the Kiwi dominated the Bronze Bomber over 12 rounds for a significant upset.
Wilder went on to defeat Martin Bakole — and now faces the in-form Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley.
Parker’s Irish trainer, Andy Lee, shared on our No Glove Lost YouTube boxing show that Parker's remarkable streak was born from a harsh encounter.
Former middleweight world champion Lee stated: “They were very open about it. They weren't hiding it. When Joe was fighting Wilder, we attended a meeting where they were already discussing Joshua versus Wilder, you know… ‘When you win, we’ll have a fantastic fight’.
“Joe was sitting right there, and that provided him with all the motivation he needed.
“He has disrupted the plan a few times now. But I’m treating this like we’re the underdog, even though we might be the slight favorite.”
“I’m not sure you can be a favorite in a heavyweight fight, especially when you're up against a puncher. But I’m approaching it with the same mindset we have for all of these fights.”
Despite Parker’s impressive streak — and the unfortunate fact that he should have had an IBF world title shot against Daniel Dubois in February before the Londoner withdrew and lost to Usyk instead — the father of six does not harbor any bitterness.
Instead of facing Dubois or the undisputed champion Usyk, he has accepted Saturday’s warm-up fight in London against Wardley, 30, which poses a high risk with little reward.
He remarked: “The chance to fight for the world championship was taken away from me — just two days before the fight. I was ready, I trained hard, and whoever they put in front of me, I would have gone out there and performed.”
“But that aspect of the sport is beyond my control. The only thing I can do is fight whoever is in front of me, and the next opponent is Fabio Wardley.”
SunSport understands Usyk will arrive for the O2 bout, and the WBO will mandate him to fight the winner in early 2026. This is encouraging news for the 36-3 contender after difficult losses to British fighters Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Parker expressed: “I want to fight for the world championship again; I aspire to be a two-time world champion.”
“I hope that opportunity arises, but I must continue to focus on my training, remain disciplined, and just keep winning.”
Parker defeated Zhilei Zhang in March 2024Credit: Getty
Martin Bakole stepped in for Daniel Dubois at late notice earlier this yearCredit: Getty
Since teaming up with Lee in 2021, Parker has left New Zealand behind and completed intensive training camps in Morecambe and Ireland.
Now, with four daughters and two sons, he brought his entire family to Ballybrack to inspire him.
He explained: “In the past, and even now, there are fighters who distance themselves from their families
