By Nedu Obi – Following Joseph Parker’s eighth-round knockout of American Jason Bergman last night, expect the rising star to continue his trajectory towards the yellow brick road of sports Holiest of Grails; heavyweight gold. But – there’s a but!

First off, a quick look at the 200-plus pound state of play:

Tyson Fury relieved the divisions perennial king-pin, Wladimir Klitschko of his belts. World Boxing Council titlist Deontay Wilder continues his surge to the top (though not convincingly). Charles Martin claimed the vacant IBF crown, more or less by default. Anthony Joshua’s name is on everyone’s lips. And out of the blue, David Haye reappears (destroys Mark De Mori) thus throwing his hat in the four-squared ring. Lest we forget, there’s Klitschko who wants redemption, Alexander Povetkin’s soon-to-be second tilt at the crown (Wilder), whilst WBA (regular) champ Ruslan Chagaev goes head-to-head with Lucas Browne in March. If that’s not enough to satiate the boxing buds, well, there’s a smörgåsbord of heavies jostling for position — former champ Bermane Stiverne, Kubrat Pulev, Carlos Takam, Alexander Ustinov, Bryant Jennings, and even Dereck Chisora is now bringing the noise.

Long story short: it’s a stacked division of champs, and potential contenders vying for heavyweight affirmation.

So with the furore surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ’ division of pugilism, where does that leave J.P?

One thing’s for sure, he’s most definitely in the mix. However, expectations of a seismic trumpeting for cancelling the contract of yet another stiff and nondescript heavyweight will be resoundingly null and void. From this point onwards, it’s paramount that the 24-year-old, 6’4” Auckland native ups the ante – only #10 contenders will suffice.

Anything else and it’s a backward step into the mediocrity. Hell! Joseph Parker (18-0, 16 Kos) is ranked #3 WBO, #7 WBC, #10 IBF and #11 WBA.

Still, great things are envisaged for David Tua’s heir apparent.