Boxer Joseph Parker reveals the sweet treat that fuels his training sessions
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
From headgear to honey, Joseph Parker reveals the essentials that keep him in peak fighting form
World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joseph Parker is gearing up for his massive showdown against Fabio Wardley at the O2 next weekend, and he’s revealed the five essentials that fuel his training sessions.
Currently riding a six-fight winning streak, Parker insists that preparation is as much about strategy as it is about energy, and there’s one sweet secret in his routine: Manuka honey.
“Five things I can’t live without when sparring. Number one, head gear you’ve got to protect your head at all times. Number two, gloves, you don’t want to be punching anyone with your fist. Gloves are important.
“Number three, mouth guard. The mouth guard is to protect your mouth so it’s not punched and bleeding.
“Number four, honey, I need that for ‘The Theory of Perception’. And number five is heart, you need heart to keep pushing through when times are tough.”
But what exactly is ‘The Theory of Perception’? Parker’s trainer and nutritionist, the renowned George Lockhart, explains: “Manuka honey’s sweet taste tricks the brain into thinking you have more carbohydrates than you do for energy.”
For Parker, a spoonful of Manuka just before or during training isn’t a luxury—it’s a tool.
“Manuka honey is the only hit I need. Consuming a spoonful immediately before and during exercise makes me train harder, maximises my recovery, and most importantly prepares me for competition,” he adds.
Parker’s go-to brand for Manuka Honey is Manuka Doctor, and you can currently save 60% off trio packs, and an extra 20% when you join a newsletter.
To browse the range, or to try out this special ingredient for yourself, click here.
Laithwaite’s wine subscriptions have become one of the more reliable Christmas gift options this year, offering a practical mix of quality, convenience and long-term value. 🎁🍷 The flagship choice is the Mixed Wine Subscription, which sends four £60 cases across the year, each containing six well-selected bottles covering reds, whites and seasonal picks. For those who prefer a more focused delivery, the Red Wine Subscription keeps to richer styles only. 🍇 A premium alternative is the Fine Wine Trios option, starting at £55, which delivers three higher-end bottles per shipment. These are thoughtful, repeat-arrival gifts that tend to land well with most recipients.
Explore Laithwaite’s wine subscription gifts from £55 here: Laithwaite’s Wine Subscriptions
If traditional diets or gruelling gym routines aren’t for you, WalkFit could be the smarter way to shift weight. This clever app designs a personalised walking plan based on your fitness goals, using your daily step count and calorie intake to keep you on track. It’s simple, low-impact and effective – and it even syncs with your smartwatch to adapt your plan as you go 💪⌚. Right now, there’s a 61% discount on the four-week plan, which could be long enough to see real results.