Joseph Parker produces brilliant counterpunch to relaunch career in top company

OPINION: New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker has produced a brilliant counterpunch to those doubting his boxing future.

Parker's three-fight deal with British promoter Eddie Hearn gives the 27-year-old a guaranteed future and, according to our information, around $6m.

Given where he was at towards the end of last year with back-to-back losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, this has been another piece of genius by Parker's manager David Higgins.

Some believed Parker's career was on the ropes, especially with his recent inactivity.

READ MORE:
* Parker: Why Joshua beats Ruiz
* Third daughter for Joseph Parker​
* Parker trains with Fury in Las Vegas
* NZ bidding war for Parker looms

But much has been going on the in the background while Parker has kept himself in good shape for this start of his second coming.

Aligning himself with arguably the biggest powerbroker in the sport makes sense for Parker.

It was getting too difficult to arrange things from the bottom of the world.

Parker found himself in a tricky position as he tried to plot a way back to the top.

As a former world title holder he was seen as too risky a proposition for many of the elite fighters looking to manoeuvre themselves into contention.

Hearn has a stable of fighters to work with and an influence that now extends across the Atlantic and into the United States.

Parker, despite his losses, has earned the respect of the British market and now, through the massive streaming platform that is DAZN, can be part of Hearn's attempt to conquer the United States.

Hearn needs a stable of fighters, particularly in the heavyweight division, to push his cause and recognised the value of Parker who has proved himself both durable and exciting. Like Hearn's major asset, Anthony Joshua, Parker also brings some manners and respect to a scene that is too often inflated by unnecessary bluster.

The reinvention of Parker starts with a fight against American veteran Eric Molina in Providence, Rhode Island on June 30 (NZT).

Some of the doubters will throw a hook at this matchup but it's a good fit for the market there and a good fight for Parker's current circumstances.

The United States isn't blessed with depth in the heavyweight division and the 37-year-old Molina has been doing the rounds since 2007.

But he's a recognisable name, a fighter who has twice fought for world titles though each occasion ended on the canvas at the hands of Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

There was a lot of talk about Parker taking on rugged Brit Dereck Chisora. Molina is similar in many ways but perhaps a less risky proposition.

Right now Parker needs a statement win, especially with this being his first fight of real significance in the US and one that starts a path he hopes will lead to even more riches with Hearn.

If he can show his worth over the next three fights, the ultimate reward could follow as Hearn has the direct link to the titles that Parker wants.

That is, of course, providing that Joshua can stay on track as a unified champion, a task that continues today with his defence against Andy Ruiz Jnr in New York.

The Madison Square Garden fight only emphasises Parker's relevance.

Parker is the only fighter to have been in the ring with both Joshua and Ruiz. Parker is the only fighter to have gone the distance with the unbeaten Joshua. Parker is the only fighter to have beaten Ruiz.

In an environment that is being inflated by a broadcasting war, Parker deserves to be in this heady mix.

Hearn has got a good deal but so has Parker.

In a game of punch and counterpunch we now wait to see if big Joe can again be a knockout.