Kevin Barry says David Tua needed Joseph Parker's attitude to win world title
Posted: 13 Jan 2016, 20:58
David Tua's former trainer Kevin Barry, now trainer of Joseph Parker, says Tua needed Parker's attitude to have won world heavyweight title.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-spor ... ight-title?
"David Tua had God-given power. But I think there is far more to Joseph Parker's overall game than what there was to David Tua".
"Tua knocked out five guys that wore the heavyweight belt and never wore it himself, which was something we're all very disappointed about".
"When we were on the biggest stage, I think he was a little overawed and couldn't pull the trigger when it mattered the most. When he realised that he was behind - he couldn't win - he was content to survive the 12 rounds instead of finding a way to win the fight".
"I had 12 years with Tua and I believe that if he was as driven as what Joseph Parker is, he would have worn the heavyweight belt".
"As we've gone from fight to fight, I know he's special, I know he's gifted. The only one who can stop Joseph Parker from becoming the world champion, is himself."
Barry said the British scene had become increasingly attractive and confirmed a change of direction from Parker's handlers who would also target that area for their world-ranked fighter to show his skills.
Fury, Derek Chisora, the returning David Haye and impressive youngster Anthony Joshua all made the UK a good target for Parker.
Naturally, the subject of Parker and Joshua being on parallel lines was raised and Barry liked the prospects of his fighter against the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
"There are a lot of similarities in the way that Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker have been brought along."
"Obviously Anthony is a little bit bigger, he's a little bit heavier, he's got a longer reach.
"I think Joseph Parker has got a better selection of punches, I think he's got faster hand-speed. There will be several questions about who hits the hardest and I don't think we will find that out until the two of them fight each other."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-spor ... ight-title?
"David Tua had God-given power. But I think there is far more to Joseph Parker's overall game than what there was to David Tua".
"Tua knocked out five guys that wore the heavyweight belt and never wore it himself, which was something we're all very disappointed about".
"When we were on the biggest stage, I think he was a little overawed and couldn't pull the trigger when it mattered the most. When he realised that he was behind - he couldn't win - he was content to survive the 12 rounds instead of finding a way to win the fight".
"I had 12 years with Tua and I believe that if he was as driven as what Joseph Parker is, he would have worn the heavyweight belt".
"As we've gone from fight to fight, I know he's special, I know he's gifted. The only one who can stop Joseph Parker from becoming the world champion, is himself."
Barry said the British scene had become increasingly attractive and confirmed a change of direction from Parker's handlers who would also target that area for their world-ranked fighter to show his skills.
Fury, Derek Chisora, the returning David Haye and impressive youngster Anthony Joshua all made the UK a good target for Parker.
Naturally, the subject of Parker and Joshua being on parallel lines was raised and Barry liked the prospects of his fighter against the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
"There are a lot of similarities in the way that Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker have been brought along."
"Obviously Anthony is a little bit bigger, he's a little bit heavier, he's got a longer reach.
"I think Joseph Parker has got a better selection of punches, I think he's got faster hand-speed. There will be several questions about who hits the hardest and I don't think we will find that out until the two of them fight each other."
if he said Tua was a better fighter he would be biting the hand that feeds him 