As recently reported on BoxingScene.com, former WBO world champion Joseph Parker parted ways with longtime trainer Kevin Barry.
The decision came after Parker’s lackluster performance against New Zealand rival Junior Fa last month in Auckland.
Parker was a heavy favorite to win the fight, but he struggled at times and the contest became a close, competitive affair.
According to Stuff, Parker will leave to the UK on Tuesday night and plans to use former world champion Andy Lee as trainer.
Lee is the assistant trainer to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. He also trains Irish welterweight prospect Paddy Donovan (6-0) and middleweight Jason Quigley (18-1).
The move to Lee is no surprise as Parker and Fury are good friends.
Parker is beginning his training for a planned fight against heavyweight rival Derek Chisora, which is being targeted for May 1 – as the headline bout of a pay-per-view card.
In the aftermath of his split with Barry, it’s been reported that Parker was contacted by numerous trainers who were interested in working with him.
Lee is a student of legendary Hall of Famer trainer Emmanuel Steward.
Parker will use Lee for this particular contest – and if things go well, particularly in training camp, their working relationship will continue.
The contest with Chisora was initially scheduled in 2018. Parker was forced to withdraw with illness.
After Parker picked up a twelve round unanimous decision win over Fa, Chisora was quickly campaigning to get the former champ in the ring. The two boxers got on a video call last week and verbally agreed to fight each other.
