Hughie Fury

Parker defended his WBO world heavyweight title against Hughie Fury in Manchester on September 24, getting a controversial majority points decision 114-114, 118-110, 118-110.

The Fury camp has been up in arms about the decision, appealing to the British Boxing Board of Control who handled the fight for the WBO, and pleading for a rematch.

The Parker camp, backed by many pundits, believe their man won comfortably, though admitted the scoring by two judges who handed 10 of the 12 rounds to the Kiwi were a little generous.READ MORE:
 

That's a basic summation of what's in store, with the Kiwi heavyweight's handlers eager to see him fight again in December and get his knockout style back on track.

After a frustrating but successful defence of the WBO world heavyweight title against Fury, they want to put an opponent in front of Parker who suits his style.

That's their prerogative now they are free of the mandatory situation and can make a voluntary defence on their own terms.

Parker has scored a majority points decision over Briton Hughie Fury in their 12 round title fight in Manchester.

Two judges had Parker winning 118-110, while the third had it 114-all.

All of the rounds were even with Parker unable to land the knockout blow while Fury spent the fight on the back foot to keep out of trouble.

He did however stay in contention with his job.

The judges would have favoured Parker's aggression, while Fury spent most of his time in defence.

Speaking after he lost his cool and shoved Parker at the weigh-in for Saturday's (Sunday NZ time) showdown in Manchester, Fury put the exchange down to "a bit of adrenaline kicking in".

With Parker repeatedly calling him "little boy" during the traditional stare down, in reference to the 10kg in weight Fury is giving away, and urged on by local supporters, the Englishman eventually cracked and got physical.

Joseph Parker and Hughie Fury tussle at the weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight title fight.

Fury started with the lip stuff but Parker gave back better than he got and Fury finally snapped, shoving the Kiwi back. The champion just smiled as chaos broke out around him. Fury's handlers pounced on two of Parker's team as they moved in to make sure their man was safe.

Parker had every right to label Fury "little" as he takes a 10kg weight advantage into the title fight at the Manchester Arena on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time). Parker, looking solid, weighed in at 112kg with Fury, lacking the muscle definition to match the champion, was only 102kg.

Looking sharp in a suit and tie as he sat in front of a large gathering of international media in a plush function room at the famous Old Trafford football ground, Parker kept it short and to the point, just like he wants his fight to be.

"What can I say, all the talk's been done. It's time to get in the ring and do my thing," the 25-year-old said when asked for his final thoughts on the fight.
"I feel ready, prepared ... I feel powerful.

"He wants to knock me out, I want to knock him out.

There's a bit of ill-feeling creeping back into the troubled promotion just over a week out from their WBO world heavyweight title fight in Manchester on September 24.

And it's been pretty one-sided with most of the barbs coming from the Fury camp with Hughie labelling Parker a "chump" rather than a champ and questioning the Kiwi's gratitude for the big payday that looms from a fight that was transferred north.

New Zealand boxing star Joseph Parker has cast his special vote in London for the New Zealand election, eager to get that out of the way ahead of his WBO world heavyweight title defence.

Parker makes his British debut when he fights Hughie Fury in Manchester on the same day as the New Zealand election.

The proud Kiwi was happy to tick that off amidst another day of business and pleasure in the British capital on Wednesday.

Parker defends his WBO world heavyweight title against Fury in Manchester on September 24 .

He has arrived in London to fine-tune his preparations before transferring north next week.

With just one fight this year, Parker is refreshed and eager for action. He's also been able to shrug off the shoulder and elbow problems that hampered him during a busy 2016.

R"My mind is clear; my body is in great shape. I want to smash this guy," Parker told Stuff from London.

"I can seriously say I feel the best I have felt in my whole career.

British boxing star David Haye has urged Joseph Parker to stay patient for a win against Hughie Fury that would change his life.

Parker defends his WBO world heavyweight title against Fury in Manchester on September 24.

The 25-year-old Kiwi is using Haye's gym as his London base before transferring north to Manchester next week.