Joseph Parker praises ‘teacher’ Andy Lee ahead of potential Derek Chisora schooling

Andy Lee is much more than just a boxing coach claims a refreshed Joseph Parker.

The former heavyweight champion of the world teamed up with the former middleweight world champion after Tyson Fury recommended the Limerick man to the New Zealand native.

After some video calls and a brief spell in Dublin the duo headed to Morecomb to train in Tyson Fury’s gym ahead of Parker’s heavyweight clash with Derek Chisora, set for Manchester and this weekend.

Parker claims he clicked with Lee instantly and has been really impressed with what he is learning under a coach that is as much a teacher as trainer.

Speaking to Sky Sports Parker said: “Andy Lee is not only and trainer but he is a teacher. There is a difference between people that train and teach. People can hold the pads and run through combinations but not many people can teach you about boxing. So there is a big difference. When Tyson asked me ‘what do you think of my recommendations – I said ‘I love it’.”

🎓A TEACHER AND A TRAINER🥊@joeboxerparker says @AndyLeeBoxing has some something special that sets him apart from the rest 🙌 #ChisoraParker pic.twitter.com/ck1cTry6Yx

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 26, 2021

Parker, who has had Donegal’s Jason Quigley training alongside him, has been working with Lee, who also trains Limerick prospect Paddy Donovan, for less than two months. However, they connected instantly, have worked well together and the big New Zealander says he feels reinvigorated going into a high-end crossroads clash with Chisora.

“I feel like we connected from the beginning,” said the Auckland native.

“This feels like the beginning of my career again. I feel like you’re going to see a refreshed me.”