Anthony Joshua’s next fight against Joseph Parker could be confirmed in the next two weeks, says promoter Eddie Hearn.
The proposed world heavyweight title unification fight has hinged on “single digit” percentages during negotiations, according to Hearn, and is edging closer.
“We feel like there is a deal that can be in place with Parker and his team within the next week or so,” Hearn told Sky Sports News.
“There’s a good chance [Parker’s promoter] David Higgins will fly over in the next week to try and close the deal,” he exclusively added.
“Sometimes when you’re this close you need to get face-to-face and eye-to-eye. Work on it, keep talking, no one goes home until you make the deal.
“There are two perfect fights for AJ – Parker and Deontay Wilder. The Wilder fight is unrealistic because of what they want. The Parker fight is a lot closer.”
WBA ‘super’ and IBF heavyweight champion Joshua wants to add Parker’s WBO belt to his collection but will be forced to consider an alternative fight if a deal is not reached.
“We may look at a WBA mandatory, Dillian Whyte or going to the States to fight Jarrell Miller,” Hearn said. “There are options but the aim is to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
“Parker is the frontrunner, he’s the guy we want. But we can’t be in a position where this goes on for three weeks then falls through.
“There is no deadline but we want to fight at the end of March or the first week of April.
“You are only one phone call away from a completed deal.”
Asked about the possible location, Hearn added: “We looked at The O2 but if it’s a unification against Parker, why have a 16,000 attendance when you could have 80,000? We have looked at the Principality Stadium and Twickenham. Major football stadiums don’t want you using the pitch during the season.”
