Talkst up title showdown in November
GETTY IMAGES fight as well.
‘‘Again, it also comes to who is willing to step into the ring with Anthony Joshua, and let me tell you the answer to that is not many people. Joseph Parker will . . . I know he’s got the balls to do it.’’
Hearn said he hopes Parker comes through next Saturday night’s fight against Alexander Dimitrenko in Manukau to enable him to push ahead with a British promotion for the unbeaten Kiwi.
He applauded Parker for taking the risky fight with Dimitrenko while he had the luxury of the mandatory rights to a world title fight.
‘‘It’s a brave move by Joseph Parker and his team. They are obviously very confident in his ability,’’ Hearn said.
‘‘When you have a fight like Anthony Joshua in front of you, many would go into their shells and say ‘I’m not even going back to the gym till that fight is signed’.
‘‘What I like about Parker and his team is they are actually looking to improve. They are looking to get the right preparation for Anthony Joshua. Dimitrenko is good preparation though risky at the same time when you’ve got that golden fight in front of you
‘‘When you go into a fight like that you can’t help but have it in the back of your mind that you’re already the mandatory for the world title. That brings a bit of added pressure.
‘‘But Parker knows he has to improve to beat the best Anthony Joshua and he is going to make those improvements in the ring. You can spar but only ring time helps you prepare for someone like Anthony Joshua.’’
Hearn dismissed Dimitrenko’s claims that Parker lost his Auckland fight against Carlos Takam in May, a result which earned him the IBF’s mandatory position.
‘‘Takam was a great fight. Takam is a gatekeeper for world titles and Parker boxed well in that fight, he did well.
‘‘There is a benefit in fighting in your backyard but I believe Parker won the fight. I don’t think you can take anything away from Parker in that fight.
‘‘Takam didn’t put the pressure on when he needed to. But you won’t have that problem with Anthony Joshua.’’
Hearn described his dealings with Duco as ‘‘quite refreshing’’ as they look to nail a title fight or undercard role for November 26.
‘‘We’ve had a number of conversations and I like the way they think.
‘‘They seem very fair, everything is straight talking.
‘‘I think there is a deal to be done for sure.’’
Duco boss Dean Lonergan reaffirmed Parker’s readiness to fight for the title if required.
‘‘We have been in contact with Eddie, we will have to wait and see what comes of it. If Joshua wants to take us earlier, we are up for it,’’ Lonergan said.