Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker is the sports star police allege is linked to a major international drug importation and supply conspiracy. Photo / Photosport
Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker is the sports star police allege is linked to a major international drug importation and supply conspiracy. Photo / Photosport
OPINION:
Setting aside for a moment whether one thinks it's fair for Joseph Parker to have his name released in connection with a major international drug importation and supply conspiracy, when he wasn't charged with anything and therefore never had his day in court, a major focus - in NewZealand anyway - may be on whether his reputation will be harmed as a result.
It will inevitably be tarnished, and that's despite his charisma as a high-profile Kiwi athlete and role model, and his success in becoming the WBO heavyweight champion of the world four years after he turned professional as a 21-year-old in 2012.
That's why he fought to have his name suppressed for so long; a determination and commitment that will have cost him a huge amount of money in legal fees. He has strenuously protested his innocence and, until now, has never had a chance to defend himself.
People move on, though, especially in these modern times of constantly breaking news published and broadcast on various platforms, and that's before we get into the sport of professional boxing, one heavily influenced by entertainment which accepts all sorts and rewards those with a certain notoriety – earned or otherwise.
Could Parker miss out on sponsorship opportunities in New Zealand after being linked, tenuously at least, to this case? Possibly, but it's unlikely to affect his future boxing opportunities in the slightest because the fight game has seen much worse, and those connected with the sport in even a casual way seem to have a capacity to accept and move on like few others.
I'm in no way making comparisons between Parker and others here, rather, I'd like to attempt to make a point about the sport itself; and that is, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather served prison terms and emerged unscathed in terms of future paydays in the ring. In fact, their relative values increased as a result. That applies to many others, too.
Joseph Parker defeated Junior Fa in Auckland last month. Photo / Photosport
Mark Keddell, Junior Fa's manager who dealt with Parker during the build-up to their recent domestic showdown in Auckland, said the most important thing for Parker now was how he dealt with the fall-out.
"All I can say really is that Joseph was a really nice guy to deal with during the fight build-up," Keddell said. "It was sort of a hug-fest between him and Junior and for me they both came across as pretty nice guys. This coming out is the worst kept secret in boxing, I guess, and it's now up to Joseph to get in front of it and chat about it.
"He's now in the court of public opinion rather than the legal courts … it's a funny old game, boxing, because sometimes a bit of controversy like this can help with notoriety. People like seeing the gladiators do their thing. I think the way he gets in front of it now will be key."
Parker, in the United Kingdom meeting his new trainer Andy Lee and putting the finishing touches on the negotiations for a possible fight against Englishman Dereck Chisora in London on May 1, has known this day was coming for many months – years, even.
Could what he has described as the "stress and worry" of this case have affected his performances over the past 24 months during which he has operated at what is largely a less than optimal level?
It's highly likely. If anything, the news finally coming out should be a weight lifted from his shoulders, no matter the circumstances. There will be those who have strong feelings about Parker being named in relation to this case and many more who will see him as innocent as he never made it into court in relation to it, let alone saw him judged against the burden of proof.
Regardless, Parker, a heavyweight who risks his health every time he enters the ring, and a man who can compartmentalise his feelings like few others, will likely just get on with it while enjoying the anonymity of London life.
If he agrees to the fight date against Chisora, he has a tough enough task ahead of him as it is.
