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In a nice bit of synchronicity, two top contenders joined forces with new trainers today. Former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker reportedly replaced Kevin Barry with Andy Lee on Tyson Fury’s recommendation, while unbeaten British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi announced a move to California to work with Virgil Hunter.
According to Stuff, Parker’s (28-2, 21 KO) partnership with Lee is currently one-fight deal, though it could last longer “if they gel together.” That one fight will presumably come against Derek Chisora on May 1st, though Matchroom has yet to officially announce anything. Lee, a former middleweight champion with a penchant for out-of-nowhere comeback knockouts, presently trains countrymen Paddy Donovan and Jason Quigley.
Buatsi (13-0, 11 KO) is coming off the toughest fight of his professional career, a surprisingly difficult TKO of unknown Croat Marko Calic in October 2020. He’ll presumably be in good hands with Hunter, who’s worked with the likes of Andre Ward and Amir Khan.