Parker is now the IBF heavyweight mandatory challenger after a hard-earned UD victory over Takam in Auckland last night. Takam took him the distance and was his toughest opponent to date. Parker has an undefeated professional record after 19 fights. A title fight will happen in London and probably early next year against Joshua. Can't wait.
Parker is managed by David Tua's old manger, Kevin Barry. Some may remember Tua as a former heavyweight champion who famously fought Lennox Lewis for the WBC, IBF and IBO titles in 2000.
Among the interested viewers last night was WBA and WBO world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who tweeted his congratulations minutes after the fight ended: "Welcome to big time boxing, respect to a young lad taking on a very tough guy in Takam. Very well done!"
Hopefully NZ will have it's next heavyweight champion of the world very soon... he's on track.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11642822