By Fightnews.com

Many international sportsbooks have WBO #1 heavyweight Joseph Parker a 4:1 favorite to defeat WBO #3 Andy Ruiz for the vacant WBO heavyweight championship when they clash over twelve rounds on December 10 at the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. However, Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry sees his man as the underdog in the fight.

Photo: Dave Cameron

“The Ruiz fight for us is the end of a four-year apprenticeship,” said Barry. “Joe has developed, got bigger, he’s got better, his skills have improved, he’s collected eight belts in three years. Everything has prepared us for this moment.

“Andy Ruiz is an eight year professional. He’s never been hurt. Never been beaten. Never been down. Andy Ruiz is a guy we have huge respect for. We have studied and prepared for a fighter that brings more pressure than anyone we have seen in Joe’s career.

“Andy Ruiz is a guy who was a tremendous amateur. He had 110 amateur fights and won 105 fights. You don’t have 110 fights and win 105 fights unless you know what you are doing. He is also undefeated in 29 professional fights.

“He comes to New Zealand and when he arrives next week as the favorite.He is the favorite to win this fight. There is no doubt in my mind about that.

“Andy is a fighter with terrific hand speed. We all know that Joseph Parker punches fast. I believe Andy Ruiz punches faster than Joe. I have studied Andy up close. A little under four years ago I did a little bit of work with him in the gym. I watched him fight live a few times.

“Back in 2013, I thought ‘Andy Ruiz is destined to be world champion.’ I was so impressed with him. Not only did he have great hand speed he was so tough. I seen him get hit flush on the chin and just walk through it.

“The pressure is on Andy Ruiz. He is the guy who is expected to win this fight. He has one of the top trainers in the world in Abel Sanchez in his corner. Abel is one of the gentlemen in world boxing. He has trained sixteen world champions.

“If the Joseph Parker who beat Carlos Takam shows up on December 10 – we lose. Simple as that. Andy Ruiz is a much better fighter than Carlos Takam.

“On paper, the Andy Ruiz v Joseph Parker has all the ingredients of being the best heavyweight fight this year. This will be the most exciting heavyweight fight this year. This fight goes twelve rounds.”