“A really smart move”: How Joseph Parker's profile can lift Kiwi boxers

Joseph Parker will be taking two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist David Nyika under his wing for the next three years, guiding him to a potential world cruiserweight title shot.

Former New Zealand boxing promoter Dean Lonergan told SENZ Mornings that adding Parker to Nyika’s team is going to be huge for his development.

“It’s a really smart move to bring Joseph Parker in to be a part of the promotional experience or crew,” Lonergan said.

“Joe’s now connected globally in world boxing and he is good friends with Tyson Fury and that’ll give Dave the opportunity to fight anywhere in the world that he wants."

Parker is expanding his options and looking at moving into the promotional side of boxing when he eventually hangs up his gloves.

Duco Events boxing promoter David Higgins stated on SENZ Breakfast that Parker has always had an interest in the business side of boxing and is wanting to help David Nyika become the World Cruiserweight champion.

“He has taken a real interest and he has a good head on his shoulders,” Higgins said about Parker.

“Joseph has sort of mentored him and always been available, so it kind of all fell into place naturally, and it's an exciting plan to win that title (cruiserweight belt) which has never been done before.”

David Nyika is now listed in the top 15 for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the cruiserweight division, with Parker ranked fourth in the world heavyweight category.

Higgins believes that Parker and Nyika are both good enough to become world champions within the next three years.

“David Nyika is a prestigious talent he is very articulate, very talented and we are excited.

“We think it will be a short run for him to a world title, we reckon the cruiserweight title could be won in maybe two and a half years and David trusts us,” Higgins told SENZ.

“The dream for our team would be to have Joseph as heavyweight champion, David Nyika as cruiserweight champion at the same time and fighting in New Zealand, that has never been done.”

Nyika’s next bout is scheduled at the Auckland Viaduct Event Centre on September 14th, with his opponent yet to be announced.

Whereas rumours of Parker’s next fight is a rematch against Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang, where he won by majority decision.

Listen to David Higgins full interview with Scotty & Izzy: