Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker is using his recent out-of-ring drama as fuel for his competitive fire, as he prepares a run at a second world heavyweight title.

Last month, Parker was revealed as the sports star linked to a major international drug importation and supply conspiracy. He was never charged in relation to the case, due to insufficient evidence.

He managed to keep his name suppressed through two years of hearings, before the Supreme Court ordered it lifted.

Now based in the UK, where he's preparing to fight Derek Chisora on May 2 (NZ time) - the South Aucklander insists he's at peace with the ordeal, which has only added to his motivation to re-establish himself among the heavyweight division's elite.

"I know what's true and I know there are a lot of things that have been said about me," Parker tells Newshub. "I can't really talk about it, as I've taken advice from my lawyer to not talk on this topic.

"But as long as I know the truth and as long as I know what I'm here for - focusing on the fight and on the future and staying positive, staying happy, making the most of my opportunity - I'm okay.

"It's pushed me even harder to focus on my goal and train even harder, and I feel like I've given it more this camp.

"I'm just focused on winning and on the goal of being two-time world champion. I feel like I have tunnel vision.

"All I have to focus on is training, eating and sleeping and being the best that I can be, and - as a fighter - that's all you want to think about."

The 29-year-old had already arrived at his new base in Morecambe, when news broke of his alleged links with the drug-trafficking ring. He admits knowing his family back home would potentially be caught up amid the drama was difficult.
Ultimately, he credits wife Laine Tavita for giving him the peace of mind to remain focused on fighting.

"My wife has been my soldier through this whole thing and she's really helped me get through it,” he says. “I give her a lot of credit for holding it down back home and being the strength in our family.

"I know that everything back home is good - that everyone is safe and my wife is doing a tremendous job looking after our three beautiful daughters - and my mind is clear."

Parker's fight against Chisora will be his first in eight years without long-time trainer Kevin Barry in the corner, agreeing to part ways after his win over Junior Fa in February.

After a couple of months working under new trainer Andy Lee, Parker says the move has rejuvenated him as a fighter, both mentally and physically.

"Just being in an environment where everybody I'm training with wants to be the best, everyone's encouraging each other and pushing each other," says Parker of the contrast with his former training base. https://www.josephparkerfight.com/