Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, 31-years-old, can’t afford another career defeat at this stage of his pro run.
Parker is back on Saturday night in Melbourne, when he takes on Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu in a ten round fight.
The New Zealand boxer is still rebuilding after suffering a knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2022. In a grueling fight for the WBO interim-world title, Parker was knocked out by a left to the chin in the eleventh round.
He bounced back in January, with a decision win over Jack Massey.
This time around, Parker wants to put in a more impressive performance with a knockout.
“My career is on the line in every fight, every fight is a must win from now on. I feel very dangerous and I just want to bring this feeling that I have into the ring tomorrow night, that dangerous feeling,” Parker said to Radio New Zealand.
“Imagery in your head is very powerful. I have pictured myself knocking him out. I know what I can do. I’ve sparred great rounds. I’ve trained hard. I’ve just gotta go in and put it all together, put on display and execute what I know I can.”
Parker is a tremendous favorite over Opelu, but he’s not overlooking his upcoming foe.
“He’s not the tallest heavyweight out there but he packs a punch. He’s not afraid to mix it up, like myself, we consider ourselves Samoan warriors so I know he’s gonna bring the best that he has,” Parker said.
Currently ranked at number 10 by the WBC, 12 by the IBF and 6 by the WBO, Parker must keeping winning to get himself in position for another world title crack.