The former heavyweight world champion Larry Holmes is in Joseph Parker's corner predicting the New Zealand boxer will become world champion.
Parker fights France's Carlos Takam in an IBF eliminator next month in Auckland.
Joseph Parker knocks out Jason Bergman in the Rumble in Paradise boxing match, Apia, Samoa. Photo: PHOTOSPORT / Andrew Cornaga
The winner gets the mandatory position to challenge Britain's Anthony Joshua for his IBF belt.
With fellow Brit Tyson Fury holding the WBA and WBO belts and American Deontay Wilder the WBC belt, the glamour division has opened up following the lengthy domination of the Klitschko brothers.
Holmes, who had 69 wins and only six losses in his career, held the WBC and IBF belts as he dominated the heavyweight division from 1978 and 1985 has no doubt Parker has the skills to get to the top.
Holmes said the 24-year-old Parker has time on his side, claiming he might not peak for another 10 years.
Former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. Photo: Supplied/larryholmes.com
He is also impressed with Parker's jab saying it reminded him of himself and offered him some advice for his upcoming bout.
"Throw that jab. Slap him don't punch him...and when he's getting tired throw that jab with a punch and knock him out."