Boxing: Eddie Hearn says big fights await for Joseph Parker after dominant, impressive decision win over Derek Chisora

Prominent boxing names are heaping praise on Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker after his dominant unanimous decision win over veteran Brit, Derek Chisora.

The heavyweight title contender's promoter - Eddie Hearn - is already hinting major opponents are being lined up for next year, while new trainer Andy Lee is promising the best is yet to come from the former WBO champion.

Hearn, who before the fight warned Parker he was at a career crossroads against Chisora, was blown away by what he believes was a more "spiteful" Parker, who in the past has been criticised for coasting through fights.

"I think [this was the best Parker we have ever seen] because even when he fought AJ [Anthony Joshua], he didn't have that kind of belief. 

"You've gotta believe in yourself," Hearn tells Newshub.

"[Deontay] Wilder, [Andy] Ruiz re-match, Lewis Ortiz. Loads of fights for Joseph Parker and he's put himself right back in the mix for a title shot down the line.

"It's one thing winning, but it's winning well and winning in exciting fights. 

"So Joseph Parker won tonight, and it makes people want to watch him again."

Eddie Hearn
Eddie Hearn Photo credit: Reuters

Parker doesn't care who's next as long as it keeps him on track to fight for gold, and one of his former mentors was thoroughly impressed by the 2.0 version of the 29-year-old.

"Joe looked great at that weight [114kgs]," says former Duco head Dean Lonergan of Parker's increase in fight weight.

"He looks fit, he looks strong and he had power in his punches. That's the best version we have seen of Joe since he won the WBO title .

"If he can continue to fight like that - be that aggressive, then why not stay that heavy."

Newshub understands a blockbuster rematch with Dillian Whyte is a real possibility if the 'Body Snatchers' mandated title fight with Tyson Fury falls over, while an IBF world title eliminator against undefeated 6ft 6 Croatian Filip Hirgovic has also been mooted by Hearn.

Regardless, Parker is keen to spend time with his family who arrived at his Morecambe base in the UK last week, but for trainer Lee, he wants to get his charge back in the gym as soon as possible.

"There were still mistakes and there were lots to improve on," Lee says.

"That's exciting for me. So I would say we're only about 50 percent on our journey. and there's plenty more come

Team Parker is hungry for more, in what promises to be a bumper 2022 for the Kiwi, whose world title dreams remain intact.