Former World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has labelled kiwi-born boxer Joseph Park the complete product.
Parker is in England promoting his upcoming bout against Tyson's cousin, Hughie which is set to take place on September 23 at Manchester Arena.
Fury - who's referred to widely as the "Gypsy King" - used to hold Parker's WBO heavyweight belt along with the WBA, IBF and IBO titles. However, he was stripped of all his belts after admitting to cocaine use as well as struggling with personal issues.
The 28-year old admitted to following Parker's progress closely, having watched all of his 23 professional fights and even some of his amateur bouts.
"I've been following Joseph from the beginning," Fury said.
"I have watched most of his amateur fights as well, believe it or not, and watched all of his fights as a professional.
"I like his attitude toward the fight game. He's an all-round fighter, he's tough, he's strong, he's fast, he punches hard and he doesn't really care who he fights - so he demands admiration."
Fury said he was happy to see Parker win the WBO belt, saying he deserved to win the then-vacant title.
"It's not my belt, it's Joseph Parker's belt. I was happy that he fought for the belt (WBO title).
"He fought a great fight against a tough lad in Andy Ruiz. It was a close fight, I had him winning the fight and he did well. He achieved his dreams."
Fury was scheduled to come to New Zealand before the initial fight date between Parker and Hughie back in May, however the fight was scuppered due to an injury in the Fury camp.
While it might not come this year, Fury said a visit to the country is still on the cards. He'd even like to stage a boxing match down under in the future.
"I'd love to come to New Zealand, it's a place I've wanted to go to for a long time.
"I have a couple of cousins who were born in New Zealand so I'd love to go visit them.
"I'd like to box there, maybe in the future."
Fury is confident both his cousin (Hughie) and Parker will put on a grand boxing show.
"Hughie's no pushover, Hughie's a tough opponent, unbeaten and I'm sure he’s going to have a great game plan to win on the night."
Newshub.
