New world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker intends to uphold a childhood promise to his younger brother John and buy him a car with the winnings of his victory over Andy Ruiz jnr.
John, who at 22 is two years younger than Joseph, is extremely close to his big brother. Atalented amateur boxer, he fought on the undercard of the main event at Vector Arena on Saturday, beating Ash McConville by decision over four rounds in his second professional bout.
And John was quick to remind Joseph of his promise in the aftermath of his dramatic majority decision victory over tough Mexican Ruiz.
"As kids, John said if I won a world title, I would buy him a car," Joseph said.
"I think I have to deliver the promise. I'll look for a very good one ... but not too expensive."
Parker, who is from South Auckland but based in Las Vegas, should have few money worries in the near future, although he now has a daughter, 1-month-old Elizabeth, to provide for. The 24-year-old won about $1 million in going 12 rounds with Ruiz to become the first world heavyweight champion to be born in New Zealand, and he will have much more lucrative fights ahead.
His next fight could be against Hughie Fury and, while it could be held in New Zealand, it could be a reasonably popular pay-per-view attraction in England, the place of Fury's birth, where boxing is again popular thanks to his cousin, Tyson, and IBF champion Anthony Joshua.
In introducing Parker and Ruiz on to the stage at the weigh-in the day before the fight, veteran commentator "Colonel" Bob Sheridan said the pair were fighting for the chance to become "multi-millionaires".
