Parker missing on Joshua hit list
Anthony Joshua has unveiled his hit list for 2017 and, at this stage, Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker does not feature in the British star’s plans.
Parker (21-0) and Joshua (17-0) are two of the most exciting boxers in the division and have long been seen to be on a collision course.
Parker is the mandatory challenger to Joshua’s IBF title and the pair had been in talks to square off in the UK this weekend only for Joshua’s manager Eddie Hearn to stall negotiations as he attempted to set-up a more lucrative bout against former champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Not prepared to be left in the lurch, Parker’s promoters, Duco Events, went in a different direction and it paid off with the 24-year-old fighting Andy Ruiz for the vacant WBO strap in Auckland on Saturday while Joshua’s date with Klitschko fell through.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist instead takes on Americanmexican Eric Molina in Manchester on Sunday (NZ time). However, Joshua already has an eye on the next 12 months where he hopes to fight Klitschko, fellow Brit David Haye and WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
‘‘In 2017 I will announce myself on the big stage,’’ Joshua told the Daily Mail.
The Klitschko fight has been pencilled in for Wembley Stadium or Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on April 29, and Joshua added: ‘‘Wladimir has been a truly great champion. But I have sparred with him and since then I have improved a lot while he is getting older.
‘‘I had better fight him sooner rather than later. Before he retires.’’
Former WBA champion Haye was meant to fight the winner of Parker-ruiz but he has since opted to continue his comeback against countryman Tony Bellew in March.
Haye has regularly called out Joshua and while the latter doesn’t believe ‘The Hayemaker’ is on his level, he knows the bout has boxoffice appeal in England.
‘‘David keeps saying what he’s going to do to me and how I will avoid him,’’ Joshua said.
‘‘Well, if he can get through his March fight with Tony Bellew I will be fine about fighting him.
‘‘He’s a good boxer and he’s turning ours into a fight the people want. Sometimes that’s how it works and I’m OK with that.’’
Joshua is determined to unify the division which leads him to Wilder, who is recovering from a broken hand. ‘‘I’ll be ready and waiting,’’ he added.
Should Parker win on Saturday, though, that road will have to include a date with the New Zealander at some point, provided Joshua survives what is shaping to be a big year.