New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is staying off social media as speculation surrounding his next fight intensifies.
Joseph Parker after winning his bout with Jason Pettaway. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Parker is set to face Russian giant Alexander Dimitrenko on Saturday in his 22nd professional fight but it's his next bout that's attracting attention from the other side of the globe.
The 24-year-old is expected to be announced as British boxer Anthony Joshua's next opponent in late November with the IBF world title on the line.
However Parker is trying to keep himself focussed on his fight with Dimitrenko and is taking what he believes are the necessary steps to keep his head in the game.
One of those ways has been cutting back on his social media presence.
"I've hardly been on social media which is good and keeping away from news and things about what we are trying to do.
"In Vegas I'm on social media a lot more. Usually in New Zealand I'd put up one post a day on Instagram. I've only posted once since I've been here," Parker said.
Alexander Dimitrenko. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Parker's also had his family stay with him at his Auckland hotel to keep him focussed.
It's all part of his plan to rediscover the spark that Parker admits he lost following his fight Brazilian Irineu Beato Costa Junior back at the end of 2014.
"There are a few things that we have seen in this camp which suggest the spark is coming back. It makes Kevin and I excited because I feel like we are going to see that spark again on fight night."
Parker's trainer Kevin Barry agreed Parker has increased his intensity in their training sessions over the past couple of weeks and doesn't think Dimitrenko will be able to go the distance.
"He's a big, strong guy, we're going to have to chop him down and it's something we're going to have to do right from the outset.
"This is a fight that I don't want Joe to just cruise through the first two or three rounds and let Dimitrenko get comfortable and let him build up a bit of rhythm. We need to put something hard on him right from the outset."
-RNZ
