Promoter David Higgins revealed WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is set to face WBA and IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a unification bout in March if he gets a respectable deal.
Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) defended his title by beating Carlos Takam by referee’s stoppage Saturday in Wales and his promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) is on the short list of potential opponents in Joshua for next year.
However, Parker’ promoter Higgins was not impressed by Hearn’s comments about the value of the New Zeland boxer, but would consider an enhanced offer.
“We would face Joshua in our next fight, but Hearn is killing that possibility in the bud with only 20 per cent, which is disrespectful given that Parker has one of the major heavyweight titles,” Higgins said.
“We think it’s more than a question of money. It’s a question of respect. If he really wants a unifications, he has shows us more respect and we will think about it.” Higgins added.
Parker, who defeated Takam by unanimous decision of the judges in 2016, was also unimpressed by Joshua’s performance, he called it “average” and “robotic” fight.
He has an agreement in principal to fight Lucas Browne next, but would be content to trip to Britain if a deal can be stuck with Joshua.
“The starting point is 50-50. But as a mark respect, we would accept a bit less. But we will not accept an insult. Why should we?” Higgins said.
“We’re in talks, 100 per cent. Joseph wants the fight but the deal has to be fair and reasonable. If they treat it like a regular voluntary, that devalues it. We are not selling our belt. We are going to take Joshua’s belts, and we will be paid for our time.” he added.
Joseph Parker land a right shot on Hughie Fury during the WBO world heavyweight title. (Source:www.thesun.co.uk)
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn on the other hand claimed that the Parker deal is a hard deal to make due to Deontay Wilder as the next target for Joshua. However, Parker’s name is on the short list next year.
“If we can’t get Wilder next, we want Parker. My instruction from Joshua: ‘I want to be the undisputed champion of the world by the end of 2018’. That means going through Parker and Wilder in any particular order.” Hearn said.
“We don’t care. If Joshua fights Wilder, someone will win take three belts. Then we will get our shot and it’s even bigger. We’ll take the fight but we’re not desperate. If Joshua fights Wilder, we’ll fight the winner. They will choose between Wilder and Parker. We’re here, we’re ready.” Hearn added.
