Joseph Parker

Joseph Parker, also known by his honorary Samoan matai title Lupesoliai La'auli, is a New Zealander whose dream as a young boy was to become a professional boxer. After years of hard work his dreams were realised and he became the first heavyweight boxer from either New Zealand or the Pacific Islands to win a major world championship. From there he has gone from strength to strength. He held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018, and previously multiple regional heavyweight championships including the WBO Oriental, Africa, and Oceania titles; as well as the PABA, OPBF and New Zealand titles as well as representing New Zealand in the Commonwealth games. As important as all of his titles are, it is also key to highlight that despite his success, Parker is an incredibly humble and genuine guy who remains grounded by his core values.

Parker chats to Art and Matilda about his family and all things boxing, how he prepares for a fight and the importance of not only being at your peak physically but also mentally. He talks us through the Team Parker initiative , a social enterprise aimed at increasing the access youth in the Pacific Islands have to sporting equipment. We also got the scoop on his fav pie and some insight into Arts brief albeit successful boxing career.

Hosts: Art Green and Matilda Rice

Brought to you by: Roar Collective

Producer: Tess Novak

Sound Technician: Matt Eller

Music: Ricky Simmonds