Opinion: The greatest show in sport

(Images courtesy of Photosport and Getty Images)
(Images courtesy of Photosport and Getty Images)

Right now, Joseph Parker is giving us a front row seat to the most entertaining show in sport. 

I don't mean that embarrassing acting display from Alexander Dimitrenko last night, but rather Parker's road to the world title.

In recent weeks and months, I've been absolutely gripped by the never-ending saga of 'when will Joseph Parker get his shot at Anthony Joshua's IBF World title?'.

The daily instalments from Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn - the lead character in the self-described soap opera that is the world of heavyweight boxing - have been must-see viewing. 

If you don't know what I'm talking about, the last week alone has been like watching season two of Breaking Bad. 

Check out the video above for a few classic Eddie Hearn moments

At a time when All Blacks tests have become predictable, we're frustrated by Super Rugby and the Warriors - not to mention NZ Rugby's mishandling of every off-field issue that comes their way - Heavyweight boxing has been a non-stop source of entertainment.

The constant twist and turns in the plot, and the long list of fighters falling in an out of contention to fight Joshua has seen Hearn cooking up something to rival Walter White's Blue Sky. 

Hearn's updates have been captivating, cringe worthy, frustrating, and hilarious.

The modern-day Don King of the boxing world drip-feeds hints, winks, nudges, and David Brent-style "words of wisdom" for contenders.

Parker's the favourite. Tyson Fury's out - what happens to the belts? Now Joshua wants Wladimir Klitschko. The fight's in Manchester. The fight's in Cardiff. November 26th. December 3rd. 

Then Team Parker's not interested.

They want ANOTHER world title - at Eden Park!

Duco's ditching Eastenders, to make Shortland Street! Will this soap opera ever end?

You can't help but wonder. And you can't help but wonder if all this drama's worth the drama. 

It is.

Let's face it: Whether you love or hate the boxing circus, you simply can't argue with the fact the world heavyweight boxing title is the real deal.

It's the ultimate in sporting glamour. As Parker's promoters have described - "the holy grail".

No arguments here.

Maybe this drama doesn't have the happy ending we all want and hope for Joseph Parker. But right now, he is part of the greatest show in sport.

You can whine all you like about the quality of the opponents he faces, or question rivals Steven Adams and Lydia Ko as the hottest property in New Zealand Sport. 

Enjoy it while it lasts - you never know when this show will end. 

Newshub.