Hydr8 Zero Explosion: Barry to train Parker

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HYDR8 ZERO EXPLOSION: Barry to train Parker

WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL

FAMED boxing trainer Kevin Barry has signed on to guide Joseph Parker ahead of his June date with one-time contender Francois Botha.

In a major coup for Parker, Barry – who masterminded David Tua’s run to a world heavyweight title challenge in 2000 – has signed on for an eight week camp with New Zealand’s newest boxing phenom in Las Vegas ahead of June’s Hydr8 ZERO Explosion.

Duco Events’ David Higgins and Dean Lonergan did the deal with Barry last night after a worldwide search for the ideal trainer to mentor the 21 year old.

“We looked at a number of trainers around the globe but we kept coming back to Kevin Barry,” Lonergan said.

“In the end it was a no-brainer given his record with New Zealand boxers.”

That record, of course, is highlighted by his time with Tua who defeated four heavyweight champions (John Ruiz, Oleg Maskaev, Michael Moorer and Hasim Rahman) while teamed with Barry.

Barry has also previously trained New Zealand’s Shane Cameron and Maselino Masoe – the WBA World middleweight champion in 2004.

“That track record of success screams to me that he is the perfect man to guide Joseph inside the ropes,” Lonergan said.

“It helps too that he is a mate of mine because Duco Events needed to be sure that when we send Joseph to Las Vegas that he will be in a safe environment and be looked after.

“Kevin is a family man and the environment he will create will be a fantastic one for Joseph to live in while he has access to the best sparring and training facilities in the world.

“Joseph is about to be trained with an attention to detail that he has never seen before.

Barry and Parker had their first session together on Monday and the veteran trainer was impressed by his new charge.

“I was pleasantly surprised with his skills and his attributes,” Barry said.

“He is very raw but he has some very good tools. His hand speed is God given. He is, quite simply, the best prospect New Zealand boxing has produced since David Tua.

“One of my first jobs will be to improve his punching power. The power is there –there’s no doubt about that. It’s my job now to make sure Joseph understands how to deliver that power.”

Barry is aware of the massive task ahead of him as he attempts to get Parker ready for the Hydr8 ZERO Explosion on June 13.

Parker has had only four pro fights against opponents he was always going to beat.

In contrast, Botha has fought 61 times and has been in with some of the biggest names in boxing including world champions Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Shannon Briggs, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko.
“Joseph will be tested like he never has before,” said Barry.

“But that’s exciting. It’s my job to make sure he is ready on June 13.

“But the test is a big one. I admire the boy for having the courage to say ‘yes’ to the fight.

“We know what Botha has done in the ring – that’s a tough enough thing to overcome.

“But there will be other tests for Joseph too – dealing with the spotlight and the pressure that comes with this type of high profile fight will be something that we have to navigate carefully and thoughtfully.”

Barry is predicting that the Joseph Parker that fronts in the Hydr8 ZERO Explosion will be a totally different boxer to the one seen by the Kiwi public in his previous four victories.

Said Barry: “He will be a more confident boxer. He will have a better punch selection and a growing confidence in all of his abilities.”

Lonergan concurs.
“We can’t wait for the Botha fight,” he said.

“If we get the improvements that we think we will, Joseph Parker is going to be a worldwide name much quicker than we first anticipated.”

Hydr8 ZERO Explosion will be shown live on Sky Television’s Arena pay-per-view platform. Ticketing information and the rest of the card will be announced in the coming weeks.

SPONSOR: HYDR8 ZERO

Hydr8 ZERO is a new electrolyte enhanced sports drink with ZERO sugar ZERO carbs.

Formulated for both the professional or everyday recreational athlete striving for an edge in performance and recovery.

Hydr8 ZERO is packaged in attractive 650ml bottles and is available in 3 great flavours, Lemon & Lime, Blueberry and Wild Berry.

This new performance drink is owned and produced by VnC Cocktails Limited, a NZ company which was established in 2007. During this time VnC has developed a remarkable Ready to Drink Cocktail range using all natural ingredients and NZ made Vodka.

The company is the brainchild of Shane McKillen, a successful entrepreneur who was originally involved with the development of the 42BELOW brand of NZ Vodka.

On selling his stake in 42 BELOW to Bacardi, Shane was looking for a new project and this new category was seen as an ideal opportunity. Since the company and brand launch, VnC Cocktails now has 8 different SKUs and has experienced strong sales growth both in New Zealand and global markets- Canada, USA, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Utilising the in-house innovation team and the existing VnC Cocktails manufacturing capabilities, Hydr8 ZERO was introduced to capitalise on the current social trend towards healthier sports beverages and will appeal to consumers seeking a great tasting, ZERO sugar, ZERO carbohydrate sports water.

Hydr8 ZERO is currently available in all Mad Butcher stores and will soon be launched into supermarkets. Z Petrol Stations and your local convenience store.

For more information, please visit:

www.myHydr8.com | www.facebook.com/Hydr8Zero

ENDS

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