23 Sep 2017

Parker takes 10 kg advantage into Fury bout

12:59 pm on 23 September 2017

Boxer Joseph Parker goes into his WBO world heavyweight title defence in Manchester with a 10 kilogram weight advantage over challenger England's Hughie Fury.

Boxers Joseph Parker and Hughie Fury scuffle during their pre-bout weigh-in

Boxers Joseph Parker and Hughie Fury scuffle during their pre-bout weigh-in Photo: Photosport

The two fighters traded insults and jostled briefly during the ritual pre-match weigh-in standoff early this morning in Manchester as both camps bid to promote the Manchester bout.

There's been subdued local interest in the fight with sluggish ticket sales and only about 8000 seats reportedly sold for the 21 000 seat venue.

The 25-year-old Parker tipped the scales at 112 kilograms compared with 102 kilograms for Fury.

The 1.93 metre Parker however is giving away both reach and height to his 2.03 metre opponent.

Boxing commentator Mike Angove says Parker will need to be extremely wary of Fury's awarkward boxing style.

"Particularly given there are going to be UK officials it would surprise me if we're going to see Fury hitting, holding, leaning and really pushing the rules of the sport to the nth degree to see what he can get away with,' said Angove.

"I suspect his objective in this bout is to drag it into the later rounds and to try and frustrate Joseph Parker."

Angove says the home-town officials also present a big risk for Parker who really needs to dominate fight.

"If it goes the distance, Joe needs a dominant performance where he has knocked Fury down two or three times and thrashed him around the ring on a number of occassions."

"He does not want a close fight - a close fight will be a huge risk for him."