Fighter-turned-trainer Andy Lee will lead Joseph Parker into battle tomorrow night against Joe Joyce – and he believes that his man has all that it takes to make it an easy win.
Speaking at the BT Sport Press Conference ahead of the WBC Interim Title fight, Lee spoke confidently about the gameplan he has put together for Parker.
“Joseph Parker has been well drilled throughout this camp. He knows what he has to do to make this an easy fight.”
“I mean no disrespect to Joe Joyce, we all know his credentials in the sport and what he’s done so far, but he hasn’t fought anybody like Joseph Parker yet. It will be a hard fight but at this level that’s a minimum requirement. But Joseph Parker has all the skill, the speed and the talent, the patience and determination, to win this fight easy if he does it well.”
Former World Champion Parker is in the midst of what could be described as a resurgence in the heavyweight division. He teamed up with Lee after a split with long-time trainer Kevin Barry, and since has two wins over the always tough Derek Chisora.
In the other corner, and unlike Parker, Joe Joyce has never bean beaten. With a reported 5X higher bone density than the average human, he is famed for his durability and ‘never stop coming forward’ attitude. ‘The Juggernaut’ is fresh off a knockout victory over Christian Hammer and is determined to strengthen his mandatory position for a world title on Saturday night in Manchester. It’s a fight he’s confident of winning.
Lee believes, however, that Parker trumps his opponent in most areas.
“Who’s got the faster hands? Parker. Who’s got the faster feet? Parker. Who’s more coordinated? Parker. Who’s got the most experience? Parker. Who’s the younger man? Parker. Who’s the one arguably now with one punch knockout power? Parker. So in that sense, when you put it all together, Parker is leagues apart.”
It will be left up the New Zealander to prove that on the night. Whilst the Interim Title tag adds some intrigue, the fight’s core appeal is that many in the sport see it as a true 50/50.
UK fans can tune in via BT Sport Box Office this Saturday to see the action live.