Trainer Andy Lee believes Joseph Parker is finally embracing his ruthless streak for his critical WBO interim heavyweight title fight against Englishman Joe Joyce.
One of the main criticisms leveled at Parker is that the affable Kiwi is perhaps "too nice" and lacks the cold-hearted mentality to end fights early and ensure he's able to hang with the upper echelon of the division.
The South Aucklander is riding a six-fight win streak into his clash with Joyce, with the last four going the distance. He hasn't stopped an opponent since his technical knockout of American journeyman Shawndell Winters in February 2020.
But Lee reports from their Morecambe training camp that Parker is beginning to harness and cultivate that killer instinct, much to the delight of his trainer.
"I think the challenge has brought him to a new level," Lee said. "He knows he has to be better than his previous fights to beat Joyce, so in that sense, I am seeing a different side to him.
"He's still the same lovable, kind, very thoughtful and considerate guy, but there's a meanness coming through.
"There's been a couple of times in sparring where I've said to him, 'Hey, get this guy out of there, go for it', just to show that little bit of ruthlessness and he's done that in sparring."
Parker has been vocal about the perceived speed advantage he has over the towering Brit and he's confident that will help him dictate terms at Manchester's AO Arena.
A firm favourite with the bookies, most of the boxing public expect Joyce, 37, to maintain his unblemished record against Parker. The Briton has only gone the distance once in his 14-fight career and is highly fancied to continue that trend this weekend.
Lee says Parker is well aware of his underdog status and has been using that to fuel his fire.
"He's been underestimated, and everyone is saying Joyce is going to walk all over him and that Parker doesn't have a chance… it's going to be all Joyce's fight," he noted. "I think that's ruffled him up a little bit and he's going to look to prove people wrong.
"Everyone needs to have that bit of spite and that's what I've seen in Joe."
One of world champion Tyson Fury's primary trainers, Lee sees the key to victory for Parker is his ability to keep the bout technical and not get drawn into a reckless toe-to-toe scrap, which would only play to his opponent's strengths.
In fact, Lee has outlined a blueprint for Parker that - if carried out correctly - would ensure an "easy" day in the office.
"I think Joseph Parker has all the attributes - the speed of hand, feet, his combination punching and deliberate moves that we've worked out - that will work perfectly against Joyce and if he can do them, he'll win easy.
"If he gets caught up trading with Joyce, or gets caught with a shot, tries to retaliate too soon and fights Joyce's fight, then it could be a very hard night.
"But if Joe can execute the gameplan and stay calm emotionally, then he can make this fight very easy for himself."
Join us for live updates of the world heavyweight interim title clash between Joseph Parker and Joe Joyce at 6am Sunday
