Boxing: Sparring partner backs his Kiwi mate

Malik Scott of the USA celebrates winning the heavyweight fight against Alex Leapai of Australia at the Logan Metro Sports Centre, 2014. Photo / Getty Images

American Malik Scott, one of Joseph Parker's sparring partners and a man so effervescent he makes Champagne look flat, is talking about the New Zealander's form over the past eight weeks or so.

"People say speed is power, right?" Malik asks rhetorically.

"When his elbow was hurt he was slower, but he was still able to punch. The elbow is better, he's faster. Speed is power. It gets to the target quicker, the opposition can't see it coming, that creates power. Joseph Parker is more than ready."

Here's another Scott bon mot: "Have you see him with his shirt off? No? Well, he's cut up like a bag of dope."

Scott, wearing a Team Parker shirt, with "New Zealand" blazed across the front, is in Parker's corner, and said no recently to sparring with Anthony Joshua.

"I humbly declined because I was boxing with Joseph," he says. "It was no big deal, but yes they reached out."

But he's also been on the receiving end of Parker's punches pre- and post-surgery and is in a good position to judge where his man is at.

"Joseph has been eating right, he's been resting, he's away from home. He has put himself in the best position to win this fight and I'm sure AJ has as well. That's why this fight is a barn burner."

The Herald on Sunday can reveal that Parker yesterday tipped the scales at 106.6kg, putting him well on track for his 107kg or 108kg target, the sort of weight where he has looked his most dangerous before creeping up to just over 111kg for his last three fights.

Parker's movement — of feet, head and hands — was impressive in his open training session yesterday, his grey shirt gradually darkening with sweat, and there is no doubt this aspect will be crucial if he is to get in and out of range against the powerful Joshua.

Scott, who has helped prepare Parker alongside fellow heavyweights Razvan Cojanu, a former opponent of Parker's, and undefeated Tony Yoka, predicts an even start to the fight at the Principality Stadium next Sunday before the fireworks.

"I think these guys are going to be very crafty in the first few rounds of this fight, and I think Joseph is going to take the first chance, because he has to as AJ is bigger," Scott says.

"Joe can't lay back too much for too long, he has to take a chance to get to him and I believe he will and I believe he'll have some success. I believe Anthony will have some answers to that as well. Again, that's what makes this such a good fight."