Joseph Parker: From Forgotten to Feared Parker’s Historic Redemption Run. Carrying a Nation, Chasing a Crown.

00:00 - Welcome to First Round TV

Darren Barker introduces the episode and his guest, former world champion Joseph Parker.

01:20 - The Road to a Second World Title

Parker reflects on his resurgence and the hunger to become a two-time heavyweight champion.

03:18 - Assessing Daniel Dubois

Why Parker feels Dubois might be looking too far ahead—and how he plans to expose it.

05:10 - Rebirth of Joseph Parker

Parker opens up about falling back in love with boxing and feeling like he's entering his prime.

07:30 - IBF Title Destiny

Behind-the-scenes story on choosing to target the IBF title—a decision made a year ago.

09:45 - The Importance of Mental Focus

Parker questions Dubois’ mindset and shares insights on the mental side of elite boxing.

12:10 - Parker’s Thoughts on Dubois’ Comeback

Joseph praises Dubois’ grit but makes a bold claim: “He’s not ready for this version of me.”

14:40 - Underdog Mentality & Legacy Goals

Why Parker thrives being overlooked—and his ambitions to become New Zealand’s greatest ever fighter.

17:00 - South Auckland Roots

A deep dive into Parker’s childhood in New Zealand and his proud Samoan heritage.

20:10 - From McDonald’s to World Champion

How Parker went from flipping burgers to fighting for world titles.

22:40 - Amateur Wars with Future World Stars

Battles with Zhilei Zhang, Tony Yoka, Filip Hrgović, and Andy Ruiz before turning pro.

26:20 - Turning Pro After Olympic Heartbreak

The moment Parker chose to walk away from the amateur system and chase world titles.

28:00 - Early Days in Las Vegas with Kevin Barry

What it was like training in Vegas and adapting to the brutal pro circuit.

31:15 - Breakthrough Win Over Carlos Takam

Parker recalls his war with Takam and why it aged so well in hindsight.

33:30 - Winning the WBO World Title vs Andy Ruiz

An honest look at a chaotic camp and what pulled him through a close fight.

37:10 - Dealing With Instant Fame

How life changed after becoming champion—and why fatherhood kept him grounded.

39:45 - The Anthony Joshua Fight

Behind the scenes of a stadium showdown—and Parker's regrets about camp.

43:30 - The Dillian Whyte Loss

Parker explains the aftermath of back-to-back defeats and moments of self-doubt.

46:15 - Mental Struggles Fighters Face

Darren and Joseph have a raw, emotional chat about the fear of losing and self-belief.

50:30 - Reuniting with Junior Fa

Getting back to winning ways and why overtraining held him back.

53:00 - Wars with Derek Chisora

Two brutal fights that taught Parker how to survive and adapt.

55:40 - Who Hits the Hardest?

The surprising answer: “Andy Ruiz shocked my whole body.”

57:15 - Loss to Joe Joyce & Turning Point

Getting sick two weeks before the fight—and the turning point that followed.

59:20 - Meeting George Lockhart

The moment that changed Parker’s career—and his new training approach.

:: 02:15

How the Parker-Lee-Lockhart trio became one of boxing’s most effective teams.

:: 05:00

Career-defining victories—and why Parker believes the best is still to come.

:: 09:15

Parker shares his thoughts on the fight and how it could’ve gone either way.

:: 11:45

His honest answer about facing his friend and mentor.

:: 13:20

Moses Itauma, Justis Huni, and the future of the division.

:: 15:10

How his viral lockdown videos were born—and dreams of acting one day.

:: 17:45

Parker reveals the special name he was given—and what it means back home.

:: 20:00

Darren wraps up with encouragement, and Parker looks ahead to Feb 22.