The future of kiwi boxer Joseph Parker after alleged link to drug conspiracy

The future of kiwi boxer Joseph Parker is now in the court of public opinion after it was revealed yesterday that the former heavyweight champion was the star of the sport that police allege is linked to a major international conspiracy of import and supply of drugs

Parker has not been charged in connection with the case (police said there was insufficient evidence) and he fought to keep his name secret in Superior Court and Court of Appeals hearings for two years.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court ended Parker’s offer to keep it secret after ordering the removal of his name to expire.

“This coming out is boxing’s worst kept secret,” said Mark Keddell, Junior Fa’s manager, who dealt with Parker during preparation for their February fight in Auckland.

The most important thing now for Parker, whom he described as “a really nice guy to deal with,” was how he dealt with the consequences.

“Now it’s in the court of public opinion instead of the legal courts … it’s a fun old game, boxing, because sometimes a little controversy like this can help with notoriety.”

But reputation expert Chris Galloway of Massey University said the news was damaging.

Devoted boxing fans may not leave, but others may “give their support elsewhere,” which could affect future marketing and sponsorship.

“[The news] It doesn’t take away competition in the ring, but it makes it less marketable. “

The 29-year-old, who held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018, wanted to keep his identity hidden after prosecutors named him during the High Court trial of Tevita Fangupo, Tevita Kulu and Toni Finau in 2019.

The three men were jailed for importing large quantities of methamphetamine, disguised in Nike shoes and clothing declared as gifts.

Despite not being charged, the Crown alleged that Parker played a role in the importation of methamphetamine through transportation and currency exchange.

Parker has vigorously denied the allegations, including under oath in the form of an affidavit.

“I have never been involved in the importation of class A drugs,” says Parker’s affidavit.

“I have never exchanged or transported money for the defendants. I have never been involved in the purchase, supply or use of methamphetamine.

“I was also not charged by the police in relation to the specific messages allegedly related to me, after what appeared to be a thorough investigation.”

Yesterday there was support for the father of three, including from the Middlemore Foundation, where Parker has been an ambassador for three years.

“We support Joseph,” said executive director Sandra Geange, describing the boxer as an “incredible supporter” of the foundation.

“We have seen the positive impact he has had on South Auckland through our work in the community … we look forward to continuing our partnership with him for years to come.”

Boxer David “the brown Buttabean” Letele wrote on Facebook that he was with “my friend.”

“Joseph Parker is not a criminal. He has not been convicted of any crime. He was not even charged.”

Mad Butcher CEO Michael Morton said he had “no comment” when asked if his company would continue to sponsor Parker.

National leader Judith Collins, who is Parker’s aunt, also declined to comment, a spokeswoman said.

“I can confirm that the first time Judith Collins learned of these allegations was late [Thursday] night, “the spokesman said.

In a statement provided by his attorney Michael Heron QC, Parker said that he and his family had been placed in a “terrible position.”

“Things have been said about me that are quite false; some of them have already been proven false and I did not have a chance to respond at the time they were made.

“It has caused a lot of stress and concern for me and my family, and it seems totally wrong.

“Having said that, I need to accept the decision and move on with my life. I have other fights to fight.”

Questions have been raised about the police investigation, and a Supreme Court judge declared “attached doubts” about how thorough the officers’ investigations into Parker were.

The police had tried to interview Parker, but he exercised his right to remain silent. A search warrant was also obtained for his home, but it was never executed.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard yesterday defended the investigation involving the Auckland City Organized Crime Unit and said Parker’s “status and profile” did not influence the outcome.

“While the police found evidence that this athlete knew all of the men who were charged and subsequently convicted, the police applied the Attorney General’s prosecution guidelines and found that there was insufficient evidence to initiate a prosecution.”

Heron said a superior officer had reiterated whether there was reliable and credible evidence that Parker had been charged.

“The evidence was admissible against the men at trial and their attorneys had the opportunity to offer a rebuttal. Mr. Parker did not have that. The jury made no decision on Mr. Parker.”

Parker was now moving on with his new regimen, with a new coach, after parting ways, by mutual consent, with coach Kevin Barry last week.