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Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker will have to wait longer for the opportunity he has earned at the world title. The New Zealander, who is in the form of his life following victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole, is the current interim WBO champion. After his crushing second-round victory over Bakole… 

Joseph Parker faced a wave of backlash after paying tribute to U.S. political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot in the neck by a sniper during a live broadcast. The former WBO heavyweight champion, now preparing to face Fabio Wardley in a high-stakes interim heavyweight title unification on October 25 at The O2 in London, shared a post on social media, which fans met with a 70-30 split between positive and negative reactions. Charlie Kirk comments Parker stated, “Heart goes out to Charlie Kirk’s wife and kids. Love to his family. RIP Charlie. So sad.” Fans were divided, but leaned more towards the fact that Parker shouldn’t have aired his views publicly so soon, as feelings were still raw. Parker’s words quickly drew a reaction as one hit back, saying that wasn’t the tragic part of the story. “It was tragic when he said the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre was a hoax, and the kids/teachers/parents were all crisis actors.” Another follower hit out, “Yeah, I’m unfollowing you now, Parker. I was a big fan.” A third posted, “Didn’t know you were a zionist, that’s so disappointing. You never shared anything in support of Palestinians, but now that a hard-core Israel supporter is dead, you’re sharing this? So disappointed in you, Joe.” Others, however, defended Parker’s compassion. “If anyone celebrates anything about that video or this death in any way, they are not worth a conversation. No matter his views, he didn’t deserve that, and neither does his family.” Final words The final words before the gunfire Moments before the sniper’s shot, those present watched Kirk field audience questions in real time. Both Fox News and CNN rolled the tape as an audience member asked, “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk replied, “Too many.” The questioner pressed further, “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Seconds before the fatal bullet struck his neck, Kirk answered, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk visibly shuddered as the bullet hit a main artery in his neck, gushing with blood. The shocking scene left thousands watching in horror as Kirk hit the floor before bleeding out on stage. Parker’s road back to gold While controversy surrounds his comments, Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has rebuilt his reputation in the ring with victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole. His upcoming clash with Wardley, the unbeaten WBA Interim champion, will decide who moves into pole position for a 2026 undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk. For Parker, the fight represents both a shot at redemption in the sport and another chance to reclaim world championship status. Parker wasn’t alone in voicing support for Kirk. Influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul also weighed in. Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it. What a mentally sick time we are living through We need god more than ever Praying for Charlie’s family and praying for these evil people to heal — Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 10, 2025 Jake Paul joins the debate He wrote, “Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it. What a mentally sick time we are living through. We need God more than ever. Praying for Charlie’s family and praying for these evil people to heal.” Paul’s words mirrored the split public opinion, with some praising his stance and others condemning him for backing Kirk. The reactions highlight just how divisive Kirk’s legacy remains, and how fraught it can be for fighters like Parker to walk the line between sport and social commentary. For a boxer chasing titles and global respect, the fallout from a single post shows the risks of mixing politics and prizefighting. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

#JosephParker is back in the heavyweight picture after UK Anti-Doping lifted the provisional suspension that sidelined the former WBO champion for more than seven months. The New Zealander confirmed ... read more Joseph Parker Returns After UKAD Lifts Provisional Suspension @ Boxing News 24/7

#JosephParker is back in the heavyweight picture after UK Anti-Doping lifted the provisional suspension that sidelined the former WBO champion for more than seven months. The New Zealander confirmed ... read more Joseph Parker Returns After UKAD Lifts Provisional Suspension @ Boxing News 24/7

Former WBO heavyweight champion #JosephParker remains sidelined nearly eight months after returning a positive ... read more Joseph Parker Still Awaiting Resolution In Failed Drug Test Case, Says Manager @ Boxing News 24/7

Former WBO heavyweight champion #JosephParker remains sidelined nearly eight months after returning a positive ... read more Joseph Parker Still Awaiting Resolution In Failed Drug Test Case, Says Manager @ Boxing News 24/7