Joseph Parker is the new heavyweight hope for Kevin Barry

Lennox Lewis ruined Kevin Barry's world title dreams 16 years ago, but the Kiwi is guiding another contender towards a shot at boxing's biggest prize.

Joseph Parker is the latest heavyweight hope from New Zealand and has blasted his way up the rankings with 17 straight wins. The big-hitting 24-year-old's progress is being overseen by Barry, an experienced manager and trainer who has been here before.

Sixteen years ago, Barry managed another heavy-handed New Zealander, David Tua, who produced a string of chilling stoppage wins to earn a Las Vegas clash with Lewis, the WBC and IBF champion, in November 2000.

But the 'Tuaman' failed to justify his fearsome reputation and Barry watched helplessly as the hesitant challenger threw just a handful of his big hooks in a dominant points win for Lewis.

"We all worked so hard. It was my first big chance at a major event," said Barry.

"When we were on the biggest stage, I think he was a little overawed and couldn't pull the trigger when it mattered the most. When he realised that he was behind - he couldn't win - he was content to survive the 12 rounds instead of finding a way to win the fight. 

"I know David himself would have loved a do-over, because he knows he was capable of doing a lot more than he actually did on that night."

Comparisons can be drawn between Tua and Parker, who are both of Samoan heritage, and the current contender has blazed a similar destructive trail through his early opponents.

But Barry insists Parker displays an earnest dedication to the sport, which sets him apart from his previous protege.

"David Tua had God-given power," said Barry. "I think there is far more to Joseph Parker's overall game than what there was to David Tua.

"Tua knocked out five guys that wore the heavyweight belt and never wore it himself which was something we're all very disappointed about.

"I had 12 years with Tua and I believe that if he was as driven as what Joseph Parker is, he would have worn the heavyweight belt. 

"This young man is very mature for his 24 years and we are nowhere near reaching his potential. He is getting bigger and stronger and better in every training camp that we have and I'm very excited. I believe that I have a guy that when we fight for a world title, he will win the world title."

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The once dormant heavyweight division has changed rapidly in recent months, with Tyson Fury taking the No 1 spot after a points win over the long-reigning Wladimir Klitschko in November.

The returning David Haye and the highly-rated Anthony Joshua are two other threatening foes from these shores and Barry believes that Parker will turn his attention to Britain in the coming months.

"Probably the most exciting area in the world at the moment is the UK," he said. "You've only got to look at what fighters you have.

"With David Haye coming back, I hope he looks as good as ever, because with him and Anthony Joshua, and obviously Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora, there is a ton of talent there. We want to get among some of that. 

"Our plan for 2016 was to campaign Joseph Parker in America. Well, I think our focus has changed and we would love to be fighting in the UK at some stage this year. 

"We would love nothing more than to be putting our talent on display in the UK."

Parker recently admitted that his path is likely to cross with Joshua and Barry, despite his genuine respect for the amateur star, feels his fighter has certain superior qualities.

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"Anthony has terrific pedigree, you cannot fault an Olympic gold medallist," said Barry. "All his victories have been by knockout. 

"There are a lot of similarities in the way that Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker have been brought along. 

"Obviously Anthony is a little bit bigger, he's a little bit heavier, he's got a longer reach. 

There will be several questions about who hits the hardest and I don't think we will find that out until the two of them fight each other.

"I think Joseph Parker has got a better selection of punches, I think he's got faster hand-speed. There will be several questions about who hits the hardest and I don't think we will find that out until the two of them fight each other."

A busy education in the professional ranks will see Parker return to action against Jason Bergman on January 23.

Barry will again offer his advice from the corner and is certain that Parker is treading a path towards world title glory.

"As we've gone from fight to fight, I know he's special, I know he's gifted," he said. "The only one who can stop Joseph Parker from becoming the world champion, is himself."