Sunday 22 May 2016 10:24, UK
Joseph Parker came through his toughest test so far and proved he now belongs in the top level of world heavyweights, according to Glenn McCrory.
The unbeaten New Zealander won an IBF eliminator by out-pointing the experienced Carlos Takam in a unanimous decision at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau City
Parker (19-0-KO16) is now the mandatory challenger to Anthony Joshua and, although there were one or two shaky moments in a rough and tough 12-rounder with Takam, McCrory believes the 24-year-old showed he is ready to mix it with the best.
"Parker showed early on his defence might be a problem and he did come into the fight a little bit nervous but his was the biggest fight of his career," said McCrory.
"For 24 years of age he answered lots of questions and I genuinely do think he's put himself in the top bracket of world heavyweight boxing.
"He's still got a lot to learn but this was his biggest test to date and he's come through this with flying colours and I do think the future looks good for Joseph Parker."
McCrory believes a lot of Parker's problems were down to nerves and inexperience, especially early on.
With New Zealand watching on and Takam 11 years older and having been in with the likes of Mike Perez, Tony Thompson and Alexander Povetkin in his career, the in experience difference was clear.
But even if Parker wasn't at his best at times, the 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113 scorecards showed that, even with only 19 professional fights on his record, he perhaps showed a sharper boxing brain than many people expected.
"He looked a bit stiff and upright and he did show some weaknesses in his defence early on but he quickly took the centre of the ring and started to push Takam back," said McCrory.
"Takam went into that sparring-partner mentality - he was following him but not putting any pressure on him.
"The good thing for Parker was he rested when he had to rest and when he had to have a fight with Takam he had a fight and he came out the better man. And even when Takam had his best rounds, Parker nicked the rounds."
