Joseph Parker vs Alexander Flores Preview Dec 15th
Former WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker of New Zealand steps back into the ring this Saturday, December 15th when he takes on Alexander Flores of Rowland Heights, California at the Horncastle Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand. Parker last fought in July when he dropped a close 12-round unanimous decision to Dillian ‘The Body Snatcher’ Whyte of Jamaica at the O2 Arena in London, England. Flores last saw action in June when he stopped Misael Sanchez in the first round.
Parker vs Flores Betting Odds
Here are the winner odds from online sportsbook 5dimes.eu
- Alexander Flores +2500
- Joseph Parker -7500
My Pick
The 26-year-old Parker won the WBO title in December, 2016 by beating Andy Ruiz Jr. by majority decision and owns a record of 24-2 along with 18 Kos. Parker’s well known for his power, but his speed should also be taken note of as he has pretty quick hands as well. His biggest problem is leaving himself open for counter shots. Parker doesn’t mind taking one or two punches to land one of his own and so far his chin has held out as it’s been tested quite often. But to be honest, Parker’s power has gotten him this far in his pro career not his boxing skills.
Parker’s power has been missing in action in his last five fights though as as he’s been taken the distance in all of them. This includes his loss to Whyte and a unanimous decision defeat to Anthony Joshua four months earlier in an attempt to unify the heavyweight titles. He’s also gone the full 12 rounds with Hughie Fury, Razvan Cojanu and Andy Ruiz during that span. Still, his current knockout ratio stands at an impressive 69 per cent and he came within seconds of stopping Whyte in July with the bell saving his opponent.
Parker needs to improve his stamina so he can fight the full three minutes of every round if he’s forced to. He won the WBO Oriental Heavyweight Championship by stopping American Brian Minto in seven rounds back in 2014 and also won several other regional heavyweight titles in his part of the world such as the WBO Oriental Title and the OPBF crown. Parker’s faced some fine boxers so far such as Whyte, Joshua, Ruiz, Alexander Dimitrenko, Minto, Carlos Takam, Marcelo Luiz Nascimento, Kali Meehan, Bowie Tupou, Jason Pettaway, Frans Botha and Sherman Williams.
He turned pro back in 2005 and has 147 rounds under his belt since then. He also has decent size for a modern-day heavyweight at 6-feet-4-inches in height with a 76-inch reach. Parker’s not the most athletic of boxers though and generally has trouble against fleet-footed and mobile opponents. However, his power is usually the equalizer, but for some reason he simply doesn’t let his hands go enough and doesn’t appear to have the killer instinct. He needs to be far more aggressive in the ring instead of being Mr Nice Guy and take advantage of his power.
As for Flores, he isn’t that well known, but the 28-year-old has an impressive record of 17-1-1along with 15 Kos. It’s obvious he packs some power in his punches and carries around a current knockout ratio if 79 per cent. Flores stands 6-feet-4-inches tall so he’s the same height as Parker, but unfortunately his reach is unlisted. He turned pro back in 2010 and has boxed 60 rounds since then. However, the only opponents most fans will recognize are Harold Sconiers and Charles Martin.
Flores’ lone loss came to Martin via a fourth-round TKO in April of 2014 and he fought to a six-round draw against Avery Gibson in his very next bout six months later. Flores did manage to win the vacant WBC Youth World Heavyweight Title in May of 2012 when he stopped Joey Montoya in the fifth round. He was a Southern California Golden Gloves Champion and had just 16 amateur bouts going 14-2.
Prediction…
Parker has been a bit of a disappointment lately as he hasn’t let his hands go enough. He needs to take the fight to Flores from the opening bell, but can’t be reckless due to the American’s power. This is a huge fight for Parker even though he’s just 26 years old. He needs to stop Flores in his tracks if he hopes to regain his standing in the upper echelon of the heavyweight division. Both men have good power, so this could come down to the best chin and that belongs to Parker. I’m expecting Parker to pull out a win here as long as he lets his hands go.
Parker’s a top quality heavyweight, he just needs to prove it each time out.
Play Parker -7500 @ 5dimes.eu
Check out my recent boxing betting picks to see my current form.
Alexander Flores betting • Joseph Parker betting