Rugby: Joseph Parker's message to Lions - 'Good luck, you'll need it'

WBO heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker prepares for his fight against Romania's Razvan Cojanu. Photo/Photosport

He may be out of sight, out of mind on the other side of the planet, but Kiwi world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker had a message for the British & Irish Lions on the eve of their series decider against the All Blacks.

Good luck, you're going to need it!

Parker is in England, promoting his September 23 title defence against local hope Hughie Fury, but his first TV interview on BSkyB Sports News was more about the rugby - and one particular player who won't be on Eden Park tomorrow - than the boxing.

Do you know Sonny Bill Williams, asked host Kirsty Gallacher, daughter of former golf professional Bernard Gallacher.

"I'm very good friends with Sonny," claimed Parker. "I consider him one of my brothers, also Jerome Kaino, Isarael Dagg and Beauden Barrett, so I'm really close to those boys and hope they do well.

"I've sparred with Sonny ... he's one of those athletes who's good at anything - league, boxing, rugby, everything - so I'm proud to call him my brother."

Williams provided the pivotal moment of last week's 24-21 second-test loss for the All Blacks in Wellington, when he was red-carded for a careless shoulder charge, reducing his team to 14 players for most of the game.

The blockbuster second-five was subsequently suspended for four weeks, ruling him out of the third and deciding test.

"He'll be disappointed," said Parker. "He's one of those guys who wants to get on the field and show what he's made of, and he's always a playmaker.

"I think he'll be cheering the boys on with interest and a lot of pride."

Not surprisingly, Parker was tipping an All Blacks victory and issued a warning to their opponents.

"Lions, I want to wish you all the best, because you're going to need it ... the All Blacks are going to come strong."