The Joseph Parker camp is relying on his Polish sparring partner's massive reach to prepare the rising Auckland heavyweight for tonight's opponent, Kali Meehan.
The New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker in action. Photo: Getty Images
Meehan is 22 years older than Parker and has a wingspan 13 centimetres longer.
Parker said his trainer Kevin Barry had a plan to overwhelm Meehan with his quick hands, while sparring with Izu Ugonoh's also been key. Ugonoh is the same height as Meehan but with an enormous reach of 213cm (almost seven feet).
Parker said "having a sparring partner with a similar height and reach as Meehan has been helpful and I've tried to put the game plan in place during training of trying to get inside and quick hands."
"Thats one of the benefits I have is fast hands and good movement so I just have to follow what Kev says."
Joseph Parker's trainer Kevin Barry says Izu Ugonoh's reach is the longest in world boxing.
The Avondale born Heavyweight Kali Meehan. Photo: Getty Images
Also Auckland-born, Meehan is hoping to recapture the form that saw him end Shane Cameron's career last November, that was the 45-year-old's last bout.
23-year-old Parker boasts 13 knockouts in his 15 straight wins.
There are five belts up for grabs tonight.
