Joseph Parker confronted some backlash after paying tribute to U.S. political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot within the neck by a sniper throughout a dwell broadcast.
The previous WBO heavyweight champion, now getting ready to face Fabio Wardley in a high-stakes interim heavyweight title unification on October 25 at The O2 in London, shared a submit on social media, which acquired blended reactions from followers.
Charlie Kirk feedback
Parker acknowledged, “Coronary heart goes out to Charlie Kirk’s spouse and youngsters. Like to his household. RIP Charlie. So unhappy.”
Followers have been divided, however leaned extra in direction of the truth that Parker shouldn’t have aired his views publicly so quickly, as emotions have been nonetheless uncooked.
Parker’s phrases rapidly drew a response as one hit again, saying that wasn’t the tragic a part of the story.
“It was tragic when he stated the Sandy Hook Elementary bloodbath was a hoax, and the children/lecturers/dad and mom have been all disaster actors.”
One other follower hit out, “Yeah, I’m unfollowing you now, Parker. I used to be an enormous fan.”
A 3rd posted, “Didn’t know you have been a zionist, that’s so disappointing. You by no means shared something in assist of Palestinians, however now {that a} hard-core Israel supporter is useless, you’re sharing this? So dissatisfied in you, Joe.”
Others, nonetheless, defended Parker’s compassion.
“If anybody celebrates something about that video or this dying in any means, they aren’t value a dialog. Regardless of his views, he didn’t deserve that, and neither does his household.”
Last phrases
The ultimate phrases earlier than the gunfire
Moments earlier than the sniper’s shot, these current watched Kirk area viewers questions in actual time. Each Fox Information and CNN rolled the tape as an viewers member requested, “Have you learnt what number of transgender Individuals have been mass shooters during the last 10 years?”
Kirk replied, “Too many.”
The questioner pressed additional, “Have you learnt what number of mass shooters there have been in America during the last 10 years?”
Seconds earlier than the deadly bullet struck his neck, Kirk answered, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
Kirk visibly shuddered because the bullet hit a foremost artery in his neck, gushing with blood. The stunning scene left 1000’s watching in horror as Kirk hit the ground earlier than bleeding out on stage.
Parker’s highway again to gold
Whereas controversy surrounds his feedback, Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has rebuilt his repute within the ring with victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole.
His upcoming conflict with Wardley, the unbeaten WBA Interim champion, will resolve who strikes into pole place for a 2026 undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
For Parker, the combat represents each a shot at redemption within the sport and one other likelihood to reclaim world championship standing.
Parker wasn’t alone in voicing assist for Kirk. Influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul additionally weighed in.
Charlie Kirk obtained shot for telling the reality. That’s actually it.
What a mentally sick time we live via
We want god greater than ever
Praying for Charlie’s household and praying for these evil folks to heal
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 10, 2025
Jake Paul joins the talk
He wrote, “Charlie Kirk obtained shot for telling the reality. That’s actually it. What a mentally sick time we live via. We want God greater than ever. Praying for Charlie’s household and praying for these evil folks to heal.”
Paul’s phrases mirrored the cut up public opinion, with some praising his stance and others condemning him for backing Kirk.
The reactions spotlight simply how divisive Kirk’s legacy stays, and the way fraught it may be for fighters like Parker to stroll the road between sport and social commentary.
For a boxer chasing titles and international respect, the fallout from a single submit exhibits the dangers of blending politics and prizefighting.
Concerning the Creator
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of expertise protecting the worldwide combat scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s greatest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and study extra about his work in fight sports activities journalism.
