Joseph Parker (13-0 11 KO) did not make it into VAVEL's top ten heavyweights but surely it is only a matter of time before the New Zealand born fighter earns a place on the list.
Parker is just 23 years old and looks likely to be a future rival of British heavyweight sensation, Anthony Joshua, who is two years older than Parker but has had one less fight as a professional.
As is often the case with young fighters Parker is currently moving up the rankings with bouts against journey men and boxers who are passed their best. Brian Minto, Irineu Beato Costa Junior and Stuart Pettaway are among his victims but his most impressive scalp to date was a second round TKO win over Frans Botha in his sixth professional bout. Botha challenged for the world title three times but was beaten on each occasion by Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.
Parker's last fight was in March this year when he stopped Pettaway in the fourth round with some impressive body shots. Since that victory Parker has travelled to the USA to spar with Klitschko ahead of his fight in New York with Bryant Jennings.
When speaking to ONE News, Klitschko had this to say on the young New Zealand fighter, "Parker's size is perfect and I like to have actual boxers competing in there when we spar, guys who want to become champions, guys who bring that attitude to the ring. We've had some intense sparring. He has given me great work, exactly what I need."
It is unlikely that Parker will ever get to fight Klitschko for a world title with the current champion now 39 years old and Parker still a few years away from being ready to fight at the highest level but as for as one day stepping into his shoes, Parker looks to have all the attributes required to be a champion one day and he has every chance of being the next man to dominate the heavyweight division.