Boxing: Joseph Parker on his way to top five

A top five world ranking is on the cards for rapidly rising New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker after knocking out Brazilian Irineu Beato Costa jnr in Hamilton on Sunday.

Undefeated in 12 professional fights with 10 knockouts, Parker was ranked 10th by the WBA before the win and is on track for a further rise up the rankings. Trainer Kevin Barry believes the 22-year-old will break into the top five in the world this time next year after another busy 12 months of five or six fights.

"It was by far Joe's best performance," Barry said. "He has been showing me glimpses of that all year in the gym and in fights I'm seeing a little bit of it.

"I think he showed tonight just how world class he really is and if that doesn't put the shudders into a few heavyweights around the world I don't know what will."

Sir Bob Jones, however, has preached caution over the hype surrounding his former charge.

Sir Bob, who managed the fighter until last year, insisted little significance could be read into Parker's knockout victory.

He said neither Parker's record nor the ratings were of particular importance.

"Joseph is working his way along nicely, he's very young and there's plenty of time," Sir Bob said. "But this claptrap about world ratings is just childish.

"I get pretty angry with this 'No10 in the WBA' nonsense. Joseph at this stage is unrateable because he's too new and so far he's fought a series of nonentities."

Sir Bob hopes Barry will help to ensure the right opponents are now chosen for Parker.