In further back-story, Parker pounced on Tyson Fury's departure to gain hold of his WBO strap -- with yet another Fury looking to regain it for his clan's sake. Simply, I can't recall another plus-sized 'major' title bout wherest each undefeated pugilist came with the baggage of so many a question-mark. Whilst each young men, each too have shown reasons for concern if not utter disinterest.
Hughie is a mere 22 years of age with a record of 20-0, 10KO. He is 17 months removed from his last row, an unimpressive victory via technical decision over someone named Fred Kassi, whom entered the bout with an 18-4 record. Oft appearing gassed, as mentioned above, he too pitter-patters his punches and seemingly has a resume high-light of being Tyson's baby cousin. But he did get his skin to clear up, and little things sometimes go a long way.
Parker, Though only 25 years of age and touting a record a' 23-0, 18KO, has exhibited many a hallmark of a fighter who has hit his zenith and a rather low one at that. The Kiwi pug at a time showed much promise; when all eyes were re-peeled to the Heavyweight division upon Tyson Fury beating Wladimir Klitschko. He was often named alongside Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Luis Ortiz as the realm laid excitingly open before us. Since, however, he has failed to remove the untested label hung on him, and has added to that some doubt. He was barely successful in garnering the belt against Andy Ruiz, then went back down in class to fight Razvan Cojanu to a decision victory.
Most intriguing to me, is that this fight is available to purchase on YouTube for something like 20 bucks. An interesting work-around of pirated streams? If anyone can control their atmosphere, it's YouTube -- for I can't even watch Golden Girls re-runs there. Maybe Comcast and the like can learn from them, or hand-over boxing PPVs to the Google-owned giant.
As to the fight itself: in a contest twixt ring-rust and plateau, whom shall leave with the win? If we equate the sweet science here with the grand game of chess grandmasters, we over-shoot, gentlepersons. But we just might see some decent excitement far more in sync with a lighter division bit a' fisticuffs. Or, to keep the boardgame flow flowing, an entertaining game of checkers in a rowdy 'nuff pub. My prediction? Hughie Fury double-jumps Joseph Parker for the split-decision victory, which no one rightfully cares enough about to scream "Robbery."
It'd be fantastic if I could remember it is JOSEPH and not Anthony PARKER. My apologies.
"I Was the Cook" Kaplowitz Radio: September 20, 2017