Parker wasn’t fit, needs new trainer, says P.M.

31 July 2018, 12:00AM

Lupesoliai Joseph Parker was not fit when he fought Dillian Whyte on Sunday.

That’s the assessment from one of his biggest supporters, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, in the aftermath of Lupesoliai’s second consecutive loss.

Tuilaepa though has gone further. 

During a local media session, he said the former W.B.O. heavyweight champion should change his trainer. He said Kevin Barry is not the man to take Parker into the future.

One of Tuilaepa’s biggest concerns is Lupesoliai’s fitness. 

"At least three times he had the chance to put his opponent down but he was not fit," he said.

Tuilaepa said he spoke with him after the unification bout loss to Anthony Joshua in April.

"I told him your trainer has reached the end of his knowledge and know how in boxing, he needs to go," said Tuilaepa.

He said Parker's trainer, Kevin Barry, is good at cosying up with the Parker family and will not stop because "that is how he makes his money", suggesting Parker should look at Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, as an alternative.

Samoa declared a half day public service holiday in 2016 to recognise Parker's world title victory against Andy Ruiz.

The government also paid Parker's promoters US$100,000 to support his title defence.

He was awarded an Order of Merit in Samoa's Honours and Awards Investiture list in 2017.

31 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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