Joseph Parker camp delighted with performance, turn focus on future opponents

Kevin Barry knew Joseph Parker would be in for a tough night but agrees with the judges' in Manchester that his charge was the winner.

The 25-year-old claimed a majority decision win over Brit Hughie Fury in his own backyard to retain his WBO heavyweight title.

Two of the officials scored the bout in Parker's favour 118-110 while one had the fight a draw.

Barry said he was relieved when he heard the decision while also surprised at Parker's margin of victory.

"I thought it was a little closer than that," Barry told Sunday Sport on RadioLIVE.

"But I was very pleased that the two judges gave it to us by such a wide margin including the British judge.

"It gives us confidence that we can come here and fight on foreign soil in a fair fight."

Joseph Parker camp delighted with performance, turn focus on future opponents

The former Olympic silver medallist admitted that although he never felt like Parker was losing, he had to give the Kiwi as sense of urgency between rounds.

"The guy we were fighting is probably one of the most awkward fighters out there.

"I knew Joe would be more powerful, he was going to come forward, he landed the harder blows and you can't win a fight if you go backwards for 12-rounds.

"I was trying to not let Joe be complacent - I didn't want him to let Hughie back into the fight. I was always thinking that we are fighting him in Manchester and knew we had to work really hard and not take the foot of the accelerator.

"I told him we weren't going to get the close rounds in his home town it was important to me that he fought every minute of every round."

Fury's promoter Mick Hennessey was furious after the fight, claiming corruption from WBO officials and promising to log an appeal over the scorecards.

Barry said that reaction is unfortunate as he both he and Parker had spoken to the Fury camp post fight and things were very cordial and respectful.

"I don't really know what he is going on about but I guess that's the problem with boxing, one person will destroy the whole promotion by shooting himself in the foot," Barry said.

With the mission of Manchester now complete, Team Parker can turn their attention on future opponents with Barry confirming an announcement is imminent.

"When you come half way around the world and defend your world title against an undefeated fighter, who is not only awkward but fighting in his home town and the result is a clear cut win on two of the judges' cards you can only be satisfied.

"Our next fight will be a voluntary and we can choose a style to suit Joseph Parker  we won't be told who we have to fight.

"Having this victory  this sets us up with further business over here and I'm sure within the next week or so you will hear some exciting news from us."

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