After two straight losses in the ring, the Joseph Parker-Kevin Barry combo looks safe for now.
Kiwi heavyweight Parker has slumped to his second career loss to Briton Dillian Whyte at London’s O2 Arena, hitting the canvas twice en route to a unanimous-points decision.
On the heels of a world-title defeat to Anthony Joshua in April, the result will see him slide down the division ranks, with some even speculating this could be the end of his career altogether.
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But Parker insists he and trainer Barry will be back - together.
"Our partnership is very strong," he said, responding to the question from Newshub's Lloyd Burr. "This fight I've taken on the chin.
"If I executed the plan, it would be different, but it's very hard when you have a great challenge in front of you.
"I'm sticking with the team I have. We've had a big fight with Joshua and a big fight with Dillian Whyte, so we're just planning and looking forward to the future."
Barry, who guided David Tua to an unsuccessful tilt at the world heavyweight title 18 years ago, sat beside Parker at the post-fight media conference and fumed at the suggestion that his days were numbered.
"I'm a little insulted that you even asked that question," he admitted. "I can't get in the ring and throw the punches for Joe.
"I give every ounce of energy that I have to this man. I love this man and my mission is to make him as good as he possibly can be.
"I'm totally dedicated and devoted to Joe. We don't just train together in the gym for one hour every day, we spend the whole day together every day, seven days a week."
Manager David Higgins also sprang to Barry's defence.
"It's probably the best Dillian Whyte has ever fought and he’s a very tough guy," said Higgins. "He brought a 10/10 in intensity and we nearly got over him.
"It wasn't actually a bad night at the office, if you analyse it factually."
Newshub.
