Boxing: I'll pick my shots says Parker foe

Boxer Jason Pettaway, from West Virginia, who fights Joseph Parker on March 5 in Auckland, was visiting Hastings on a promotional tour of New Zealand. PHOTO/Warren Buckland

There were almost tears in the eyes of American boxer Jason Pettaway when he visited Hastings yesterday.

His new-born daughter Jordan turned two months old and naturally Pettaway wished he was back home in West Virginia to share the occasion with his fiance Jennifer. However, the West Virginia professional was quick to point out that soft side won't be exposed when he takes on world-ranked Kiwi Joseph Parker in Auckland on March 5.

"I've done my homework on Joe and I'm very confident I can capitalise on some flaws. I'm not going to look for a knockout. I'm going to be smart, move and pick my shots ... I'll be happy with a points win," Pettaway, 34, said.

His trainer for the past 23 years, that's a year longer than Parker has been on the planet, Terence Kelly pointed out South Auckland's Parker had struggled against opponents who moved and he backed Pettaway's speed and experience. Pettaway, who has been a professional since 2005, boasts a 17-1 pro record after more than 130 amateur bouts, while Parker's is 12-0.

Raised by his mother Sandra, Pettaway, was introduced to boxing through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters programme in the States, which caters for youngsters from one-parent families.

"I was taken along to watch a Golden Gloves tournament and got hooked on it. I was then taken to the Ringside Brothers Gym where I met up with TK [Kelly] and I've been with him ever since ... I look up to him."

The 1.85m tall Pettaway has been the most successful of Kelly's five professionals.

"I've watched him grow up and he has exceeded my expectations," Kelly said.

Kelly was a professional boxer until he lost his leg while working in a coin-making factory.

While Pettaway enjoys basketball, his daughter is named after Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, American Football is his next fancied sport after boxing and the Pittsburgh Steelers are his favourite team. The Steelers feature among his tattoos.

So does his mother and a biblical message ... "I can do all through Christ."

Like Parker, Pettaway, boasts strong Christian beliefs. Fans of Parker reckon Pettaway will need the most help from the bloke up above because Parker is ranked 10th in the WBA and and 12th in the WBO, while Pettaway isn't ranked by any of the four major sanctioning bodies.

The diplomatic Pettaway said he hadn't picked up any vibes suggesting it was going to be a one-sided battle in favour of Parker during his week of promotional visits on his first tour of New Zealand.

Four wins from as many bouts last year and some improved sparring sessions have Pettaway's confidence levels exactly where he wants them.

Pettaway has worked with 2004 US Olympian Devin Vargas (18-4) and 7-0 cruiserweight Paul Parker for three months, a step up for him. His only professional loss was a TKO one against Russian Magomed Adbusalamov in March, 2012.

He returns home on Monday and will return to Auckland 10 days before the fight.

"I'm hoping a win against Parker will open further opportunities for me. I've got no other fights booked yet ... my total focus is on Parker," Pettaway said.

"I reckon I've got two more good years as a professional ... there could even be more depending on what doors open after the Parker fight."

Despite missing some key stages in the development of his daughter Pettaway has enjoyed his first week on New Zealand soil.

"It's a nice beautiful country, the landscape in particular."

Those in the know within the boxing fraternity believe Pettaway won't be leaving the country with the same feelings on March 6.