Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who is getting ready to make his 18th title defense when he faces Bryant Jennings on April 25 (HBO) at New York?s Madison Square Garden, has yet another big-time prospect in camp with him in New Zealand?s Joseph Parker.
Klitschko likes to be pushed, which is why he has used recent training camps to bring in hungry, young fighters with enormous potential to spar with him.
It is why he has previously had Deontay Wilder in training camp, and Wilder went on to win the one major belt Klitschko does not have in January. And it is why he also has had 2012 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Anthony Joshua in his camp, and Joshua might be the only heavyweight prospect in boxing more highly regarded than Parker.
For this camp, in Hollywood, Florida, Klitschko has Parker (13-0, 11 KOs), 23, as one of his sparring partners for the first time. Klitschko said they have sparred more than a dozen rounds and he has been impressed by Parker.
?He?s extremely talented,? Klitschko told ESPN.com. ?He?s strong but he is very different from Anthony Joshua even though they are both very determined and very tough. I see myself in Joseph in a certain way. I can?t say anything negative.
?I don?t know how the guy will develop but he has the potential. Deontay is a champion now. Anthony Joshua is getting better. They?re all in the process of developing and they still have things they have to go through.?
Klitschko, dominant as ever at age 39, said one of the reasons he wants top young fighters in camp with him is because it helps keep him hungry.
?Parker?s size is perfect (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) and I like to have actual boxers competing in there when we spar, guys who want to become champions, guys who bring that attitude to the ring,” Klitschko said. “We?ve had some intense sparring. He has given me great work, exactly what I need.?
Parker is using the camp to get ready for his own fight. His next fight is scheduled for June 13 in New Zealand, although he does not yet have an opponent.
