Joseph Parker vs Alexander Flores: 'The Great' lands in New Zealand for heavyweight bout

  • 06/12/2018

Mexican-American heavyweight boxer Alexander 'The Great' Flores has landed in New Zealand to put the final touches to preparation for his bout against Kiwi Joseph Parker.

The December 15 fight at Christchurch's Horncastle Arena in Christchurch will be Flores' first fight outside of the Americas, while Parker hasn't fought in New Zealand since May 2017, when he beat Romanian Razvan Cojanu.

Flores boasts a record of 15 wins, one draw and one loss, and handing Parker (24-2) his third successive defeat would put him on track towards contending for a title.

"This is my first time travelling on a plane [for a fight]," he told Newshub at Auckland Airport.

"It is the same as every other fight mentally and physically, but it's all different in a way, because I'm travelling cross country."

Flores added he was feeling some pressure, but not to the same extent as Parker.

"There is more pressure on him than me, but there is also lots of pressure on me, because of my goals. Beating Parker puts me a step closer to becoming the first Mexican-American heavyweight world champion.

The 28-year-old knows he will have to put Parker on the canvas if he is to come out on top.

"I expect to win and stop him, because I know it can't go to scorecards - I'm already going to be down a round or two before the fight starts.

"I know I'm going to be on the booing side, but it's okay, because at the end of the day, it's just me and him in the ring, so that doesn’t bother me.

"I've been working towards an opportunity like this for a long time, so there's no doubt in my mind that I'm going to win on December 15."

Newshub.

Joseph Parker vs Alexander Flores: 'The Great' lands in New Zealand for heavyweight bout