Boxing: Joseph Parker continues rise up heavyweight rankings

Joseph Parker fighting Daniel Martz. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker's rise up the rankings continues - he is now ranked No 6 in the world on the IBF list.

Parker, at his Las Vegas base preparing for his fight against American southpaw Jason Bergman in Samoa on January 23, tweeted today: "Good way to start the year, #6 in the IBF ... Not done yet."

Parker is now rated by all four major bodies. His highest ranking is No3 with the WBO. He is No10 with the WBC and No12 with the WBA.

The 23-year-old, undefeated in 17 professional fights, is hoping to step things up in 2016 following a year in which he began to make waves in a division which is now in a state of flux after Tyson Fury's upset against Wladimir Klitschko.

There is said to be a feeling within Parker's camp that the South Aucklander could be close to a title fight perhaps as early as the end of the year.

Parker himself said recently he is ready to step things up.

"I know a lot of people that watch my fights are frustrated that the fights end quickly but I can promise you this year we're definitely going to step up the opponents and it's going to be a lot more interesting fights. We're getting closer to that goal of being champion of the world and I think this year we can make some big noise around the world."