A simple, informal handshake sealed Joseph Parker's first foray into the profitable, professional boxing ranks next month.
With all the glitz, glam and trash-talk surrounding the pugilistic sport, it is refreshing to see the gentleman's agreement still exists.
Considered the future of New Zealand heavyweight boxing at just 20, Parker is set to make a lucrative and highly-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of Shane Cameron's clash with American Monte Barrett at Auckland's SkyCity Casino on July 5.
Parker initially intended to turn pro after the Olympic Games but his shock defeat to Samoan Junior Fa at the Oceania Championships in March floored that dream.
"This is as real as it can get," Parker said in announcing his future yesterday.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's been a long time coming, but finally the time is right.
"This is an exciting new phase of my career and it's time to start to step things up."
Fairfax Media understands the South Auckland prospect will fight an Australian opponent over four to six rounds. The shortened schedule is aimed at nurturing his rise from amateur boxing without damaging his raw talent and confidence. David Tua's first professional 10-round fight was two years into his career.
No contracts have been signed, but Parker and his wealthy financial backer Sir Bob Jones will work in partnership with Sky Television and Duco Events promoters David Higgins and Dean Lonergan to stage up to eight fights a year, both here and abroad.
"I'm making sure he is being well paid, which he is," Jones told Fairfax. "The payment for this fight is probably a record. David asked me if I wanted a contract and I said 'no I'll take your word for it'.
"But Joseph still has to deliver the goods.
"He's just turned 20. That's really young for a heavyweight. We thought about approaching Sonny Bill Williams for his first professional opponent. But we'd rather put up someone serious and not go through this farcical stuff."
All parties are taking a long-term view, not wanting to rush Parker's development. But he will be kept active. Plans are already underway for a stint in Las Vegas with Tua's controversial former manager, Kevin Barry.
"We are looking to fight him anywhere between six to eight times a year," Lonergan said. "Not all of those fights will be taking place in New Zealand. We'll look overseas to get his experience up.
"We are in discussions with people in America, particularly Kevin Barry to get Joseph over there to train and have access to sparring partners."
Jones added: "I've talked to Kevin. He's excited about having Joseph. I'll stay in touch with him and he can clip the ticket with opponents we approve."
Parker was gutted to miss qualification for the Olympics, but proved his credentials with a first-round stoppage of Australia's Oceania champion Johan Linde in Serbia two weeks ago.
He also defeated world championship bronze medallist Erick Pfeifer from Germany. But those victories failed to persuade the world governing body for a pass to the London Games.
