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LONDON. — Tyson Fury continues to torment Derek Chisora, years after inflicting physical punishment.
The current world heavyweight boxing champion has instigated a plan that could usher his former opponent into retirement.
Joseph Parker had been plagued by doubts.
A drab victory over Junior Fa had prompted him to part company with trainer Kevin Barry ahead of a career-threatening clash with Zimbabwe-born Chisora.
He reached for the phone.
Parker told Sky Sports: “I thought, ‘Who shall I ask for advice?’
“What better man to ask than Tyson Fury? So I gave him a call and he said to me that there’s three trainers in the world that he rates really highly — and he said that Andy Lee was one of them.
“He said: ‘Why don’t I give Andy Lee a text and see if he’s available?”
Lee’s mobile lit up, not long after he had arrived back in Ireland following a training spell with Fury.
“Tyson called me, he said: ‘Would you like to train Joseph Parker?’
“I said: ‘I’ll talk to him.”
“On the Wednesday, Joseph landed in Ireland.”
Parker was offered bed and breakfast by Lee’s family, a former world heavyweight champion receiving his first experience of Irish hospitality and the renowned teachings of a new mentor.
They travelled together to Morecambe, the seaside home of Fury, who passed on a few “tips” after his two convincing victories over Chisora.
“I can see exactly why (Tyson Fury hired Andy Lee). Andy Lee is not only a trainer but he’s a teacher and there’s a difference with people that train and teach,” said Parker.
“A lot of people can hold the pads and go through combinations. Show you this and show you that.
“But not many people can teach you about boxing, so there is a big difference.
Tyson asked me: ‘What do you reckon about my recommendation?’
“I said: “Perfect.”
Lee also welcomed the new partnership, revealing how Parker has quickly retained his instructions during hurtful sparring sessions in preparation for Chisora.
“Tyson knows me, knows me well, and knows Joseph well,” said Lee.
“One thing he said to me on the phone was: ‘You and him will get on well. He’s like us.”
“That is what he said and I knew what that meant, and he’s been proven right.
“Down to earth, sense of humour and a good person. Who am I to judge? But what I can see of him, a good person.”
Chisora’s rampant aggression could severely test the durability of Parker’s new bond with Lee.
But the Irishman has been schooled in the methods of Emanuel Steward, the famed cornerman from Detroit’s Kronk Gym. He also has brutal intentions for Chisora. — Sky Sports.
Online Reporter