What Religion Does Joseph Parker Follow?

“Everyone had other plans, but this is God’s plan,” said a grateful Joseph Parker after defeating Deontay Wilder. These words come out of a 6’4 heavyweight giant might sound weird, but the WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion always talks more about God’s blessings than trash talk.

Joseph Parker kept his faith even as his life spiraled downward. Now, he stands just one step away from the top, strengthening his belief more than ever. Before he faces Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight championship on February 22, let’s explore the mind of a fighter who measures his life not just by victories, defeats, and titles, but by the pillars of faith, family, and discipline.

Joseph Parker’s religious beliefs

Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa has always found it comforting to trust in the divine process and has never been shy of his Christian faith. Raised in a devoted Samoan family, he has grown up with values of faith, perseverance, and respect. Before he embarked on his journey inside the squared circle, his mother, Sala Parker, bestowed him with an unbreakable rule. She said, “The only time you can fight is when you’re in the ring. It’s a sport and it has rules.”

Even the reason Joseph Parker never trash talks is because of the values taught by her faith and her mother. “She will not let me,” stated the Kiwi fighter in an interview with the Independent. In multiple interviews, Joseph Parker has revealed his habit of praying before every fight. After all, “I represent my family, my faith, and my country when I fight.” As a proud Mormon, Parker finds his edge in his belief. His calm mindset in the ring against everyone reflects his teachings of discipline, faith, and gratitude towards the higher power in his every move.

However, given how unpredictable boxing is, it is not easy to keep believing. A few years ago, Parker was tested to his limits and had to push his way towards light.

New lease of confidence

In 2018, Parker lost his WBO heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua after holding it for almost two years. The subsequent loss against Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce pushed him out of title contentions and it would have been far easier to give up. The Auckland native was pushed to his limits and started questioning himself and his decisions. “I said to my wife afterwards that this is not how it is supposed to be,” claimed Parker while reflecting on the dark times on DAZN’s The Ariel x Ade Show.

However, his Samoan roots and the voice of his mother never let him give up. The questions kept arising, but he gritted his teeth and kept working and it worked. In the same DAZN interview, Parker revealed that “From the Joyce loss, to now, the confidence has grown dramatically.” He has gotten his mojo back and “can stay at the top for a very long time.”

None of it would have been possible without his family and his faith. For Joseph Parker, faith is not just a personal belief, but it is a way of life. It is the foundation of his journey. On February 22, his faith will once again be tested. Now, we just have to see whether Daniel Dubois’ power punches will pack more sting or Parker’s belief and discipline will prove more powerful.

Do you think Joseph Parker’s binding faith has been his greatest strength? Let us know your thoughts down below.