Parker preps to fight Minto

BIG HITTER: Joseph Parker, pictured in Rotorua last year, is looking forward to his next big match up against American Brian Minto. PHOTO/BEN FRASER A - 181013BF5

Boxing coach Kevin Barry says there is no need to hype up his fighter Joseph Parker's next match.

Parker's next opponent in the ring is the boxer who essentially ended Shane Cameron's career - American heavyweight Brian Minto. They will meet in Auckland on July 5.

Although Parker (192cm) towers over the 12th-ranked WBO Minto (180cm), the American outweighs him in experience - Minto's 39-7 record compared to Parker's 7-0.

Minto 39, is sure to use all his experience in the ring to try and wear down the 22-year-old.

Barry, who was Minto's trainer during the Cameron fight, said he was sure Minto would use similar tactics he used in that fight.

"This is the fight that we don't need any hype. Everyone knows what Brian Minto brings to the table. They all know what happens when Minto closes the distance on a fighter. They saw that happen when he demolished Shane Cameron last year."

During that fight Minto's head and elbows regularly made contact with Cameron's head, whether it was deliberate or not it was effective.

"Minto was never on our radar, our plans were to fight Shane Cameron this year. Of course when he took Shane apart everything changed."

Although it's a big step for Parker, Barry is confident his man can handle it but he still has some reservations.

"There are a lot of things about this fight that are dangerous and concerning for us and none more than the way Brian fights.

"He's got a very aggressive, in-your-face style. He needs to take you into a dog fight, he likes to use his head, he likes to use his elbows. You know he's cut a lot of opponents."

Despite this Barry said a perfect outcome for his fighter was a knock out.

Parker said he would be looking to make sure he stuck to the game plan Barry had set out for him.

"It will be a good challenge for me. This guy has been in the ring with some big names so definitely I'll have to be on my game and train real hard for this.

"Kevin has put a plan in place, this guy likes to rough it up. I've just got to keep to the plan and use my reach and my height."

Parker said having the home town advantage was a huge plus for him and he was hopeful his Rotorua fans would be out in force when he takes on the American at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau on July 5.

"For me fighting in Germany it was exciting fighting on the undercard but the support wasn't there. So for me fighting back here in New Zealand it's a great honour and privilege for me because there is a lot of fans and support here."