By Chris Barclay

The bruise brothers are reunited - and after Izu Ugonoh went toe-to-toe on Dancing with the Stars in Poland, Joseph Parker is now looking to get his training routine back in step.

Parker and Ugonoh have formed a friendship as firm as you could expect between rival heavyweights, with the Polish-born fighter of Nigerian extraction a vital member of the Kiwi's entourage for almost two years.

Ugonoh was sorely missed by Parker is the lead-up to last month's unanimous points decision over a combative Carlos Takam.

"Even though Izu is taller than Takam, Izu's help in the gym would have been huge coming into that fight," admitted Parker's trainer Kevin Barry.

Instead of sparring with Parker, Ugonoh was working on his footwork on Polish reality TV.

"He was absolutely sensational. His four months dancing has actually helped his footwork a lot," said Barry, who also trains the 29-year-old who, like Parker, is undefeated as a professional.

While Barry was happy for Ugonoh to raise his profile back home rather than assist before Parker's fights with Jason Bergman and Takam, Parker was relieved to have him back in the fold ahead of next month's fight with Solomon Haumono in Christchurch.

Parker starts training in his Las Vegas base on Monday - he has a five-week block of work in the heat of Nevada before returning to New Zealand a fortnight before the main event at Horncastle Arena on July 21.

"They missed each other a lot. They're like brothers. In the dressing room before the (Takam) fight Joe's face timing Izu. It's a good, strong bond."

Parker went on a break four days improving his record to 19-0 by negotiating the toughest test of his career and Barry was confident the 24-year-old would report for duty in reasonable shape after relaxing stopovers in Dubai and Los Angeles.

"He's sort of grown into his role now. He realises right at the moment he's now the No.1 with the WBO and he's also the No.1 mandatory with the IBF," said Barry.

"We're very close to something very, very big and very special. I expect him to be a professional not only in the ring, but also outside the ring."

Barry said the first priority was reviewing the Takam fight, where concerns were raised about Parker dropping his hands as the bout wore on.

A persistent elbow injury and the exertions of a 12-week long training camp - the longest of Parker's career - were blamed for that defensive vulnerability, and an underpowered jab.

Barry hoped a fortnight off had helped the left elbow while prep for the 40-year-old Auckland-born former Australian league star had been pared back.

Not that Parker will be taking it easy before a fight designed to keep him active before a IBF world title fight with Brit Anthony Joshua.

"Sol's a very heavy-handed fighter, he's got a very powerful right hand," warned Barry.

"I'll be working hard on trying to get Joe's left hand up a little higher. Haumono is not a Carlos Takam but he hits a lot harder. I do not want him landing his right hand."

Meanwhile, Christchurch light heavyweight Reece Papuni and welterweight Bowyn Morgan are yet to be confirmed on the undercard.