Former WBO and current ‘Interim’ WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is geared to square off against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois on February 22nd on the stacked card headlined by the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia. Parker has seen a recent resurgence in the division following his last few performances.

He defeated Deontay Wilder in December 2023 and was matched against Zhilei Zhang in early 2024. Despite getting dropped twice during the fight, Parker clawed his way to a majority decision win. Now, he is taking a major step towards reclaiming his lost dominance in the division. Before his mega fight, here’s everything you need to know about his ethnicity!

What is Joseph Parker’s ethnicity?

Joseph Parker was born and raised in South Auckland, New Zealand. The 33-year-old has established himself as a respected figure in the boxing world, known for his speed, power, and resilience in the ring. Despite his success on the global stage, Parker remains deeply connected to his roots, both in New Zealand and in his Samoan heritage, which has played a significant role in shaping his identity.

Parker’s lineage traces back to Faleula Village on Upolu, the main island of Samoa, where his mother was born. His parents, Dempsey and Sala Parker migrated from Samoa to New Zealand in the early 1980s, seeking better opportunities for their family. Though raised in New Zealand, Parker takes immense pride in his heritage, often representing both nations with equal passion. His unwavering connection to his ancestry has earned him the moniker ‘The New Zealand Samoan,’ a title he wears with pride.

Beyond boxing, Parker is known for his humble personality and strong family values, which are deeply rooted in Samoan culture. His tribe in Faleula even bestowed on him the title of Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa, which symbolizes his role as the high chief. He frequently visits Samoa, where he engages with local communities and embraces his role as an inspiration for young athletes. In a 2018 interview with Boxing Social, he explained the importance of representing both New Zealand and Samoa. 

“For me, it’s very important,” Parker said when asked about the importance of his dual heritage. “New Zealand is where I was born. But I’m also Samoan. At a young age, probably when I was 1 year old, my dad would take me to Samoa every year. So, I’ve been to Samoa so many times and I continue to go there probably once or twice a year, sometimes three times a year.”

As for why it’s so important to him, Parker explained, “It’s important to understand the heritage of where you’re from. I can speak Samoan fluently, so I love being a New Zealander and a Samoan. I love the culture, I love the upbringing that we have. It’s helped me be the person I am today.”

Joseph Parker: Journey into professional boxing

Joseph Parker’s love for boxing began at just eight years old in his family home in Mangere, South Auckland. His father, Dempsey Parker—named after boxing legend Jack Dempsey—was the first to feel his son’s punches. Holding up his hands as makeshift pads, he encouraged young Joseph as he practiced his straight lefts and rights.

Boxing was in the Parker family’s blood, but his upbringing was humble. Dempsey worked two jobs while Joseph’s mother, Sala, worked full-time to support the family. Despite financial struggles, Parker remained focused on his dreams, later saying that buying a house for his parents with his boxing earnings was his proudest achievement.

At ten, Parker stepped into Papatoetoe Boxing Gym, where he trained for two years before having his first amateur fight. Though his trainer, Grant Arkell, didn’t initially see anything special, Parker proved his potential at 16 when Arkell matched him against a much older and bigger opponent. When Parker realized the size difference, Arkell reassured him, saying, “Well, that gives you more to hit, doesn’t it?” Parker dominated, winning unanimously and catching the attention of New Zealand’s boxing community.

At 17, Parker delivered another statement win, knocking out three-time New Zealand amateur champion Yamiko Chinula. In 2011, he made history as the first New Zealand amateur to defeat a Cuban fighter at the world championships. However, financial struggles made international competition difficult. “He rang me twice a day telling me no one speaks English, the food is rubbish, what do I do?” Arkell recalled about Parker’s time in Azerbaijan.

After failing to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, Parker turned professional at 20. On July 5, 2012, his pro journey began at Sky City in Auckland, setting him on the path to becoming a world champion.

Some boxers are born with talent, while others carve their path through relentless hard work. Joseph Parker has both. Whether his resurgence in boxing will elevate him to elite status remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his journey has shaped the fighter and the man he is today. What are your thoughts on Parker’s history and roots?