Joseph Parker Splits With Longtime Trainer Kevin Barry

Former WBO Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker (28-2, 21KO) has parted ways with longtime trainer Kevin Barry. The news was announced today by New Zealand media, with the split being mutually agreed upon by both parties.

“Without Kevin, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Parker said, speaking to Stuff.

“Together, we made it to the very top. Kevin was with me every step of the way, guiding my progress inside and outside of the ring. So it is with genuine sadness that I confirm our partnership has come to an end.

“But the time just feels right. It’s fitting that we closed this chapter of my career with a win in front of a great home crowd in Auckland and with bigger things just on the horizon.

“I know Kevin will always be in my corner.”

One of the reasons the split has come about is that Parker and his family are based in NZ, while Barry is situated in Las Vegas.

“I’m hugely proud to have played a part in New Zealand and Samoa crowning their first heavyweight world champion.It has been an amazing journey with Joseph and Team Parker. But all journeys must come to an end, and the time is right for myself and Joseph to go in our own directions,” Barry said to Stuff.

Parker is on a four-fight winning streak since his 2018 loss to Dillian Whyte. However, Parker has been criticized in some quarters as failing to have improved and refined his skill-set. This past weekend he overcame local rival Junior Fa via unanimous decision, but it was not his most impressive performance, and following the bout, there were calls for Parker to look for a new trainer. He will not have too much time to begin the search as he in line to face England’s Dereck Chisora sometime around May-June.

Parker’s manager David Higgins has told the media that the bout with Chisora needs to be finalized in the coming few days if it is to take place. Both parties are eager to make it happen, and with Parker needing a solid win over a well-known name to put himself back into title contention, a fight against the veteran Chisora makes perfect sense.