I read over at the scene that Parker has two options for his first defense. Hugie Fury or Jerrell Miller. I personally think the Miller fight would be his toughest test because of his style, plus I would like to see Miller take a shot at the title. I don't know that much about Fury. Any Feedback?
Fury is nearly identical to his brother but a tad bit smaller. Still big though. He's not at the level his brother is at yet though. Fury is the kind of style that Parker could really work his skillset on. Parker isn't that exciting when he's boxing off the back foot and since Parker has a reluctance to take shots any fighter with a bit of power pushes him to the back foot. Either way if he fails to show any improvements in his next fight my hopes for a top level Kiwi HW will be in the gutter.
Thanks for the feedback. Myself I want Miller to get that shot because I think that he's under rated and will present a serious problem for Parker. I am curious to see who Parker picks. That will tell the story.
I have seen Hughie Fury fight a few times, and Parker decisions him widely. Hughie lacks power but is a good mover and has good ring IQ. Parker would just outwork him and push him back. I know nothing about Miller but looking him up, he seems to be another overweight American HW who has been carefully matched to be undefeated, and we have no idea how good he is. I would guess he is not all that serious given his weight problem. Parker would be a huge step up for him.
What has this Miller character done in the ring to merit your praise? His resume is actually poorer than Hughie's
I will say that Parker's team has been very intelligent and knowing his level. I don't think Miller has the push to do 12 rounds, and Hughie doesn't have a lot of pop which would allow Parker to come forward. Win/Win. Ruiz was a "protected American" fighter that just fought a close fight with Parker.
Hughie is legit and he has a few obvious advantages against Parker. He is much taller and longer, he has supreme foot work and agility and he has better defense. Ruiz and Takam on paper are impressive wins but even the diehard Parker fans have to admit the performances in the ring were hardly impressive. Ruiz proved Parkers hand speed was overrated and so would Hughie I believe. Parker was overly defensive in both the Ruiz and Takam fights and potentially that was why he stunk up the place but he couldn't afford to do that against Hughie because he's a better technician, he needs to be the aggressor and to make him fold which could work in Joe's favour. He's a better and more complete fighter when he lets his hands go I reckon. Big baby is a good challenge as well, that's a kill or be killed fight Big Baby won't die wondering so either way it wont go the distance
All going well, I see Parker defending his title against the guys ranked in the WBO's top half dozen (excluding Klitschko). I don't like Jarrell Miller as an opponent first up. Hits too hard & is big & strong. Parker's chin appears solid, but testing it against Miller first up would be foolish (imo). Plus Miller doesn't have great skills so it's not like Parker is going to improve by fighting him. Junior Fury would be ideal but not in his backyard. David Price looks the best bet but again, don't fight him in the UK. Fighting in your opponent's backyard is for losers. If both guys keep winning, an Andy Ruiz rematch is a certainty in the US. It won't happen straight away though. I like David Price & Hughie Fury as Parker's next two opponents. Either in NZ (or Samoa) or the US.
Hughie Furry has no real power for a guy his size and has yet to fight anybody worth mentioning. Miller needs to lose weight and has yet to fight anybody worth mentioning. Price has a glass chin, a light breeze can knock him out. Out of these 3 I still think Miller would be the best opponent. But seeing how average Parker is I think each of these guys could beat him.