By Bryce Wilson

December 10th marks as something of a watershed moment in the boxing career of Kevin Barry. After winning an Olympic Silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles games where Evander Holyfield was sensationally disqualified when hitting Barry after the referee called break; Barry then managed David Tua all the way to his unsuccessful tilt for Lennox Lewis’ world titles in 2000. Now some 16 years later he stands on the cusp of fulfilling a long-held dream to see a New Zealand-born fighter win a world heavyweight championship. 

Kevin Barry: It was vital, he got an explosive win and really made a statement, he was both physical and strong and most importantly very focussed. After that fight I could feel how happy Joseph was with that showing. I was quite critical after his fight with Takam as I knew he could do so much better than what he showed that night. Having said that the fight with Takam was quite invaluable as an experience coming into this Andy Ruiz fight. The fact that he had to go through a 12-round war, going to some quite dark places throughout the fight and then coming back to the corner after a very physical tough round and regroup, listen to his trainer and then go back out and turn it around, those are the types of experiences when a young boxer really learns a lot about himself.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: How much of an advantage will that experience be for Joseph?

Kevin Barry: As I said before I really believe it will be invaluable. Takam is a similar height to Andy, he comes forward and I personally believe that Andy Ruiz is a better fighter than Carlos Takam. I think he will bring more pressure than Takam so I’m very pleased we have had a fight where Joseph had to dig deep and find a way to win.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: How do you replicate Ruiz’s speed, aside from Joseph there is no-one quicker in the division?

Kevin Barry: Undeniably it is difficult, he is a fighter that we have huge respect for, but let me turn this around for you. Andy Ruiz and his team have the same problem. There is no heavyweight in the world who pulls the trigger as fast as Joseph Parker. So, who could they possibly get to replicate Joseph in sparring? It is going to come down to who adjusts best on the night. This is a fight where Joseph Parker is going to have to produce the best performance of his career. If the same Joseph Parker who fought Carlos Takam shows up Andy beats us.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: Abel Sanchez hasn’t had a huge amount of time to work with Andy Ruiz, yet you and Joseph have been working closely with each other for over 3 years now, do you see any advantage there?

Kevin Barry: Obviously, Joseph and I do have very good chemistry together. I believe that this is actually the third camp that Andy and Abel have had together although the previous two times Andy didn’t end up fighting. I applaud Andy Ruiz for taking this opportunity very seriously by moving up to Big Bear to train at altitude. And in seeking out one of the very best trainer’s in boxing in Abel Sanchez he’s giving himself every chance to win this title. I’m sure Abel will put together a great game plan for him.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: Being that Abel has trained multiple world champions and you have trained both David Tua at the highest level as well as taking Beibut Shumenov to a world title do you think Joseph and Andy will be leaning on the experience of yourself and Abel as trainers as neither one has fought for a world title before?

Kevin Barry: I’m sure they will to some degree as there has to be trust in us. I know the relationship I have with Joseph is one of complete trust but it’s not so much a case of leaning on me it’s more a case of calling on the experience we’ve had as a team thus far and knowing that what we’ve done to this point has been successful. One of the strengths of Joseph’s game is the way he controls his emotions. The mental part of his game has gotten stronger.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: As a trainer, how tempting is it for a fight of this magnitude, to go searching for something new that may give you a five percent edge on the night or is it more a case of sticking to what has been proven to work so far?

Kevin Barry: I’ll tell you what, one thing coaching has taught me over the years and that is there is no substitute for doing the fundamentals perfectly and I’ll be imploring Joseph to continue with that. Do the basics well and success will follow.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: Having watched you run your camps I know that the other quality you like to bring besides working hard is fun. Explain how you embrace the moment rather than be overwhelmed by it?

Kevin Barry: Even though we understand there will be a frenzy when we arrive in New Zealand the most important thing will be that we keep that sense of fun and enjoyment. I know what my job is as a coach: I need to get my fighter in the best physical, mental and emotional condition so that he can perform at his best. What’s also important is the team I put around us. Our camp is always filled with a lot of laughter.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: I know ever since your time with David Tua it has been one of your great desires to see a New Zealander win a world heavyweight title. How much easier will it be to sit back and relax if you can do that? 

Kevin Barry: Life has taught me one thing and that’s to never get too far ahead of yourself. We have a lot to do before that can happen. I remember making a promise to my late father around a decade ago that one day I would coach a heavyweight champion and I’m certainly hoping that it is Joseph Parker who will be that champion.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: So, it will be an emotional moment if that happens?  

Kevin Barry: This is an occasion that will be potentially historic for Joseph. Joseph and I have worked closely, we have a very tight relationship. He has lived with me and my family for three and a half years. It’s been an emotional journey for us. He’s like a son to me and it’s given me a great deal of pleasure to see him develop into the most impressive young man he is today. To see his hand raised will be emotional for sure. 

BOXINGSCENE.COM: What sort of fight do you envision between these two?

Kevin Barry: I see a very energetic fight, it’s a matchup that on paper could end up being the most exciting heavyweight fight this year. I’m looking at the styles of Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz and I see two guys who have speed, who have power, who both like to come forward and of course are both undefeated. This fight is going to be a real boxing fan’s fight.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: As it is 16 years since David Tua’s title challenge are you surprised that it has taken so long to see another Kiwi heavyweight emerge onto the world scene?

Kevin Barry: Frankly speaking, yes. Maybe it’s a case that the structures just haven’t been there. We’ve always had big, strong athletically gifted fighters in New Zealand. We have such a deep talent pool in the South Pacific, there should have been a lot more heavyweights coming out of New Zealand.

BOXINGSCENE.COM: Do you now think with Joseph’s success and with Duco being so prominent with their promotional company you’ll see some further fighters come through the system?

Kevin Barry: Yes, I really do. I think when many kids look at Joseph and what he is achieving there will be a lot of those young men wanting to be just like him. Hopefully this is just the start of a real renaissance of the sport.

The mood in the Parker camp is one of quiet confidence, that the work is being done, that the boxes are being ticked, that history beckons and that the war is won through attention to detail. For Kevin Barry, a win for his fighter would mean the closing of one chapter and the opening of another while for either New Zealand or Mexico it will mark the celebration of their first ever heavyweight champion. One way or the other expect some serious fireworks in what is shaping up as perhaps the most intriguing heavyweight match-up of the year.