Parker title fight is on

Joseph Parker’s world heavyweight title fight in New Zealand has reportedly been officially sanctioned by the WBO.

The WBO are holding their annual conference in Puerto Rico and news out of that is that they have given the green light to Parker fighting Andy Ruiz for their belt.

The fight is likely to be held in Auckland on December 10 at Vector Arena .

The belt was vacated by Tyson Fury who is battling depression and drug issues and hasn’t fought since last November when he beat Wladimir Klitschko to snare the WBO, WBA and IBF title.

The WBO had hinted at having a four man box-off to sort out their belt but it appears they have gone down the route of their own rules book which gives No 1 ranked Parker the first rights to challenge.

With No 2 ranked Klitschko targeting the WBA belt, now likely in a fight against Australian Lucas Browne in Hamburg on the same date, that cleared the way for No 3 Ruiz to step up against Parker.

ESPN carried a brief report of the latest development in a breaking news alert.

It’s a coup for Parker’s promoters Duco Events who have quickly bonded with Ruiz’s backer, legendary American promoter Bob Arum, who was always keen for the fight to be in New Zealand, recognising the historical significance of it.

The 27-year-old Ruiz from Mexico is unbeaten over 29 fights with 19 knockouts. Parker, 24, is unbeaten run over 21 fights with 18 knockouts.

In England The Telegraph said British heavyweight David Haye, the former WBA champion, had been given mandatory status by the WBO to their belt. That would see the winner of Parker v Ruiz defend against Haye within 120 days though a unification fight would take precedence.