Artwork for podcast The First Round with Darren Barker
Joseph Parker: From Forgotten to Feared Parker’s Historic Redemption Run. Carrying a Nation, Chasing a Crown.
Episode 38th April 2025 • The First Round with Darren Barker • First Round TV Ltd
00:00:00 01:10:19

Share Episode

Shownotes

In this episode we get the absolute privilege to sit down with former heavy weight world champion Joseph Parker ahead of his massive fight with Daniel Dubois. Joe has had an incredible journey in boxing and an insane comeback story. Joe talks about his thoughts on Daniel Dubois's behaviour, What Tyson fury did for him that no one knows and his thoughts on the potential Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight. This was an absolute blast and you're gonna get to know Joe in a way you've never seen before!

Follow Our Socials: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstroundtv

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstroundtv

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstroundtv

Darren Barker: https://www.instagram.com/mrdfbarker/

Joseph Parker: https://www.instagram.com/joeboxerparker/

Transcripts

00:00 - Welcome to First Round TV

Darren Barker introduces the episode and his guest, former world champion Joseph Parker.

01:20 - The Road to a Second World Title

Parker reflects on his resurgence and the hunger to become a two-time heavyweight champion.

03:18 - Assessing Daniel Dubois

Why Parker feels Dubois might be looking too far ahead—and how he plans to expose it.

05:10 - Rebirth of Joseph Parker

Parker opens up about falling back in love with boxing and feeling like he's entering his prime.

07:30 - IBF Title Destiny

Behind-the-scenes story on choosing to target the IBF title—a decision made a year ago.

09:45 - The Importance of Mental Focus

Parker questions Dubois’ mindset and shares insights on the mental side of elite boxing.

12:10 - Parker’s Thoughts on Dubois’ Comeback

Joseph praises Dubois’ grit but makes a bold claim: “He’s not ready for this version of me.”

14:40 - Underdog Mentality & Legacy Goals

Why Parker thrives being overlooked—and his ambitions to become New Zealand’s greatest ever fighter.

17:00 - South Auckland Roots

A deep dive into Parker’s childhood in New Zealand and his proud Samoan heritage.

20:10 - From McDonald’s to World Champion

How Parker went from flipping burgers to fighting for world titles.

22:40 - Amateur Wars with Future World Stars

Battles with Zhilei Zhang, Tony Yoka, Filip Hrgović, and Andy Ruiz before turning pro.

26:20 - Turning Pro After Olympic Heartbreak

The moment Parker chose to walk away from the amateur system and chase world titles.

28:00 - Early Days in Las Vegas with Kevin Barry

What it was like training in Vegas and adapting to the brutal pro circuit.

31:15 - Breakthrough Win Over Carlos Takam

Parker recalls his war with Takam and why it aged so well in hindsight.

33:30 - Winning the WBO World Title vs Andy Ruiz

An honest look at a chaotic camp and what pulled him through a close fight.

37:10 - Dealing With Instant Fame

How life changed after becoming champion—and why fatherhood kept him grounded.

39:45 - The Anthony Joshua Fight

Behind the scenes of a stadium showdown—and Parker's regrets about camp.

43:30 - The Dillian Whyte Loss

Parker explains the aftermath of back-to-back defeats and moments of self-doubt.

46:15 - Mental Struggles Fighters Face

Darren and Joseph have a raw, emotional chat about the fear of losing and self-belief.

50:30 - Reuniting with Junior Fa

Getting back to winning ways and why overtraining held him back.

53:00 - Wars with Derek Chisora

Two brutal fights that taught Parker how to survive and adapt.

55:40 - Who Hits the Hardest?

The surprising answer: “Andy Ruiz shocked my whole body.”

57:15 - Loss to Joe Joyce & Turning Point

Getting sick two weeks before the fight—and the turning point that followed.

59:20 - Meeting George Lockhart

The moment that changed Parker’s career—and his new training approach.

::

How the Parker-Lee-Lockhart trio became one of boxing’s most effective teams.

::

Career-defining victories—and why Parker believes the best is still to come.

::

Parker shares his thoughts on the fight and how it could’ve gone either way.

::

His honest answer about facing his friend and mentor.

::

Moses Itauma, Justis Huni, and the future of the division.

::

How his viral lockdown videos were born—and dreams of acting one day.

::

Parker reveals the special name he was given—and what it means back home.

::

Darren wraps up with encouragement, and Parker looks ahead to Feb 22.

Links

Chapters

Video

Watch

More from YouTube