Boxing: Joseph Parker reveals mother's ultimatum: 'You either train hard or get into ballet'

As the sun set on a beautiful almost-spring evening here in central London, a touch of Samoa and New Zealand rang out in tribute to Joseph Parker, the heavyweight preparing for the fight of his life.

In front of a gathering of about 150 New Zealand expats at New Zealand House, including former All Black Zinzan Brooke, Nick Afoa, the New Zealand-Samoan currently performing in a West End show, was first, singing the Samoan anthem to Parker, who watched on stage, his lips occasionally mouthing the words.

Next was a haka, the noise reverberating around the room on the 18th floor with panoramic views of the city as a group of about 10 men and women performed.

It was, said master of ceremonies James Gemmell, a Kiwi who presents rugby for British Sky Television, something for Parker to think about when he took the long walk out to face Joshua at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Sunday morning NZT.

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Parker was clearly moved, hugging all of those responsible, a final act to an engaging question and answer session with a group who now feel they are all part of "Team Parker".
Some of the highlights were Parker talking about his musical interests: "I play guitar, piano, triangle."

And the attitudes of his mum, Sala, and dad, Dempsey, as a then young man from South Auckland gradually discovered that boxing was the sport for him: "You either train hard or get into ballet. So I trained hard," Parker said of Sala's ultimatum.

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Parker said Dempsey told him at one point: "Son, I think boxing is a very dangerous sport. I'm a bit worried about you getting punched in the head." To laughter, Parker said his reply was: "So why did you get me into boxing?"

Of trash talk in the often nasty world of professional boxing, Parker said of his team's attitude: "We like do our talking with my fists!"

Later, Parker said his favourite boxers were David Tua, a fellow Samoan New Zealander, American Roy Jones Jr, and Brit Lennox Lewis; the former for his natural ties to Parker, Jones Jr for his speed and movement, and Lewis for his record and sensible nature.

"He was a good champion – he lost a couple but he beat them all in the re-matches," Parker said of Lewis, adding that unlike many other former champions, Lewis was always good with his money.

Asked what he would be thinking when he walked to the ring to face Joshua, Parker replied with a smile and mimicked a wide-eyed stare, but added: "I've worked so hard in camp that this is my reward. It's time to dance."

The emotional tribute followed, the guests leaving happy they met an eloquent and humble champion about to go behind enemy lines with their support.