Parker eyes August fight in NZ
Joseph Parker could return to action with a New Zealand fight in August in front of an exclusive live audience.
Parker’s manager David Higgins has been working on the project in conjunction with the heavyweight’s British promoters Matchroom Boxing who want a debut show in New Zealand for the launch of streaming giant DAZN.
There has been considerable talk of Parker fighting his Kiwi amateur rival Junior Fa.
But Higgins said Fa’s terms continued to be ‘‘unrealistic in this environment’’ and it was more likely an Australian opponent would be lined up if a transTasman bubble was in place under coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Lucas Browne, who has longed for a fight against Parker, would be the prime target though unbeaten Queensland southpaw Demsey McKean was another option.
With a gathering restricted to fewer than 100 under level two, Higgins said there was the ability to give it an ‘‘exclusive feel’’ and the venue would reflect that.
‘‘It could be a grand lawn or the lobby of an ornate building . . . something unique. But the international TV audience would be huge,’’ Higgins told Stuff.
The 100-person limit under level two would have to include the boxing teams, officials, broadcasters and caterers, meaning a viewing crowd of, say 60, could enjoy ‘‘a once in a lifetime experience’’.
There is a huge demand for any sort of live sport for the broadcasting market and Parker could be one of the first boxers in action, making it highly marketable internationally.
Higgins said Parker was ‘‘champing at the bit like a prized stallion’’ to get back in action after his impressive win against North American champion Shawndell Winters in Texas in March.
Parker’s clever social media video efforts had kept his name at the forefront of sports fans during lockdown, something that would help the sell of the fight internationally. ‘‘If it can be done safely Joseph is all for it,’’ Higgins said.
Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry and sparring partners and the opponent’s camp would all have to go through the quarantine process.
Higgins is investigating the financial package. But having had to lay off staff he feels an ‘‘obligation to try to do something’’ to get his business up and running. It was equally important to try to keep Parker active as the 28-year-old former WBO champion enters his prime years for fighting.