Joseph Parker says the best is yet to come after his victory over Derek Chisora. But the former world titleholder, Tony Bellew, believes the New Zealander’s heavyweight champion days are ‘long gone’.
Tony Bellew, a former WBC cruiserweight champion and now boxing pundit think it’s all over for Parker.
He said, “He’s not a bad fighter, but no. I think his heavyweight champion days are over. I don’t think he’s the fighter that he was. Every dog has its day. Believe me, I know that as well as anyone. I wish tomorrow I could come back myself, but I don’t think he can reach those dizzy heights again now. I think he had his moment. As soon as the levels stepped up in competition, and the fitness level of the opponents that he’s facing got better, it will show.”
Parker moved to 29-2 for his career following last weekend’s split decision victory over Derek Chisora.
Dillian Whyte (r) knocks out Derek Chisora to win the Heavyweight fight between Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora at The O2 Arena. (Credits – Getty Images)
Parker knows it was a very close call and was unsure how it would go after the 12th and final round.
He said, “I must have taken the foot off the accelerator. The killer instinct sort of kicked in at the end. But I’ll have to watch the fight to see what I did wrong. It was very hard for us to tell. When the hand was raised I was very happy, very delighted that we got the win.”
Parker will remain in England to train under Andy Lee, who replaced Kevin Barry after Parker’s battling win over Junior Fa in Auckland this year.
The next match he will have is up to his manager, David Higgins as Parker positions himself for another shot at the world title.
