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Alan Lee / Photosport
Kevin Barry and Joseph Parker have decided to go their separate ways.
Joseph Parker has parted ways with his coach Kevin Barry, ending their eight-year partnership.
Parker defeated Junior Fa in Auckland last Saturday, but it was a less than spectacular performance from the former WBO heavyweight champion as Parker failed to make the knockdown he predicted.
Barry has returned home to Las Vegas, while Parker will be looking for a new coach, while he wants to spend more time in New Zealand.
Spark sport
Joseph Parker fights for a unanimous decision win over old amateur rival Junior Fa in a tense Kiwi affair in Auckland.
“Without Kevin I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Parker said.
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* Dereck Chisora willing to fight Joseph Parker after Kiwi fighter’s ‘not great’ win after Junior Fa
“Together we reached the top. Kevin was with me every step of the way, guiding my progress in and out of the ring. Therefore, it is with genuine sadness that I confirm that our partnership has come to an end.
“But it seems like the time is right. It is fitting that we close this chapter of my career with a victory in front of a large local crowd in Auckland, and with more important things on the horizon.
“I know Kevin will always be on my side.”
Barry, a former Olympic silver medalist, said he and Parker felt the time was right for them both to move on.
“I am very proud to have played a role in New Zealand and Samoa crowning their first world heavyweight champion,” said Barry.
“It has been an incredible journey with Joseph and the Parker team. But all journeys must come to an end, and it is the right time for me and José to go in our own directions.
“I have been in New Zealand for five months, away from my family and my other fighters. I have three guys fighting for world titles this year and I have responsibilities to them and some new guys.
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Joseph Parker had to try too much leather for his liking in his points win over Junior Fa in Auckland.
“It is no longer possible for me to stay in New Zealand. Joe has a wife and three girls in New Zealand and wants to spend more time here.
“I totally understand him and I will always be on his side and support him. We have always had a very close bond and I want nothing but the best for him. We have accomplished a lot together. It has been an incredible journey. “
Parker’s manager David Higgins confirmed that the split was mutually agreed.
“With Kevin based in Las Vegas and Joseph willing to spend more time in New Zealand, and not to mention the travel restrictions created by Covid-19, this was a natural moment for one of New Zealand’s most successful sports associations to come to town. a fence, ”Higgins said.
“Personally, I would like to pay tribute to Kevin. He worked tirelessly to ensure that Joseph capitalized on his natural talents, and the results have been there for all to see. Kevin’s place in history as New Zealand’s best boxing coach is really safe. “
Who will be Parker’s next coach has not been announced.
But Fa’s trainer Eugene Bareman stoked the fire at a press conference ahead of the fight between the two boxers by revealing that Parker had contacted him to join his City Kickboxing setup.
While Barry and Parker laughed at this, it did indicate a strained relationship between the two.
Parker doesn’t have much time to find a new coach, as he could face Derek Chisora in May in London.
David Higgins, Parker’s manager, has said that the date of the fight should be finalized by the end of the week.
