Parker's trainer speaks out against the extra motivation given to his charge's opponent.
Joseph Parker's trainer Kevin Barry is angry Francois Botha has the incentive of a potentially lucrative fight against David Tua if he can get past his man on Thursday night.
A heavyweight meeting with Tua, who is in the midst of another comeback, gives Botha extra motivation to beat 21-year-old Parker at Auckland's Trusts Arena in an event sponsored by Hydr8 Zero Explosion.
Barry, who has been training Parker for the past two months, has made his feelings known to Dean Lonergan of Duco Events, the organisation which promotes Parker.
"I just said him, 'oh thanks, like he really needs more motivation','' Barry said.
Barry, who used to train Tua before the pair fell out, is also unhappy about the order of the undercard.
Daniella Smith has a world title fight against Arlene Blencowe - previous opponent Sarah Howett withdrew due to a wrist injury - yet has been given the low-profile slot of third fight in. The top undercard fight (of six) has been awarded to Matthew Wood v Colin Lane, who are fighting in what has been advertised as the New Zealand World Dwarf Boxing Championship.