by OPINION: New Zealand boxer Joseph Parkers squeaky clean public image has taken a severe body blow with his public link to an international drug importation and supply conspiracy.
Parker had his name suppressed during the lengthy Auckland trial in 2019 that saw three men convicted on a variety of charges for their involvement in importing methamphetamine to New Zealand.
That suppression was lifted on Friday and while Parker hasnt been charged with any crimes over his alleged association to the drug syndicate, the former WBO world heavyweight champion has now been named.
Parker has defended his right to seek name suppression and insisted, in a statement from his lawyer Mike Heron, that the things said about him are quite untrue.
Its a difficult situation for Parker and one that will hit him as he starts a rebuild of his career aged 29 after suffering two defeats in 2018, including losing his world title, and parting ways with long-term trainer Kevin Barry.
Raymond Sagapolutele/Supplied
Joseph Parker with his WBO belt.
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The impact on some significant sponsorship deals remains to be seen, but in general terms it rocks the persona of one of New Zealands most affable sporting stars. In many eyes, Parker will now find himself guilty by association.
In a sport littered with high profile cases of champions who have fallen victims to murky underground dealings, Parker may now be counted as just another casualty.
It will shock those who know him and those who love him and there are literally thousands of these people in New Zealand, Samoa and around the world. Parker has around 344,000 followers on Facebook 293,000 followers on Instagram 123,700 followers on Twitter.
Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.
Former WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has found a replacement for Kevin Barry.
He is one of the most searched New Zealand names on Google and his fame and appeal isnt just built around what he does with his hands when they are enveloped in boxing gloves.
A relaxed figure outside the ring, the smiling and approachable Parker has earned a reputation as being a friendly giant who enjoys mixing with his fans and anyone involved in his sport.
The father of three has put his name to some worthy causes. He has backed the Eat My Lunch initiative to feed needy school children.
He has worked with the Child Cancer Foundation. He is an ambassador for the Middlemore Foundation, which partners with communities to raise funds to initiate and support key projects in health, homes and education within Counties Manukau where he grew up.
Tevita Sitanilei Kulu, Tevita Matangi Fangupo and Toni Rajendra Finau were found guilty of their roles in an international drug syndicate.
He worked on their Jammies in June project, providing winter pyjamas for children from disadvantaged communities.
He has put his name to a hearing initiative in Samoa and has also worked to support boxing gyms there.
That sort of work has endeared Parker to many people outside his sport and helped him build his massive following.
Despite his multi-million dollar earnings, Parker has always been seen as a humble champion. This wont be a knockout blow to his career as he beds into a three-fight deal with British promoter Eddie Hearn worth around $6m.
But its a massive dent in his reputation, one that he wont be able to erase in the eyes of many.
