The heavyweight division enjoyed a memorable 2024, with two titanic clashes between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. In 2025, we have already seen Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) stop late replacement Martin Bakole, and his trainer Andy Lee recently spoke to The Ring, reflecting on a sparring session between Moses Itauma and Parker.
Joseph Parker and Moses Itauma Share Competitive Sparring Session – Andy Lee Reflects
Andy Lee Talks Spar Between Moses Itauma and Joseph Parker
Itauma (11-0, 9 KOs) enjoyed an impressive 2024, recording four stoppage wins, including last time out, defeating Demsey McKean by first-round TKO. Despite only having 11 fights, it appears it will only be big fights for Itauma from here on out. There are many stories of Itauma sparring with some of the best heavyweights, and Joseph Parkers’s trainer Andy Lee has shared his views regarding a spar between the Kiwi and Itauma.
Lee revealed to The Ring: “I saw them spar. It was four rounds. It was very competitive. But for four rounds, everyone can be competitive. If Joe’s going to do four rounds with another guy after that, and then another four rounds after thatwith another guy, you’re going to do well. And it wasn’t as if he did particularly well they were just competitive rounds. Joe probably got the better of it, but it was very competitive.
“We know him well and we really like him. To be honest we had a great time with him and we missed him when he left.”
Parker vs Itauma
The 20-year-old Kent fighter has been linked with some big-name opponents, and Frank Warren has mentioned to Talksport that Itauma has his eye on facing Parker: “His next fight, the one he’s told me he wants is Joseph Parker. You heard it right. That’s what he said.”
When speaking to The Ring, Lee made it clear that facing Parker would be a huge step up for the 20-year-old: “Look, Moses is a hell of a fighter but if he were to step in with Joe Parker it’s a big ask for him. It’s a big step up for him. In fact it’s a massive step up for him.”
