Parker uncertain of future fights
Wilder-Zhang bout raises questions about next move
Joseph Parker’s immediate future is uncertain now Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang have been confirmed to fight each other in June. Parker’s victories over both in the past four months have propelled him back into the spotlight and in contention for another shot at a heavyweight world title.
Zhang had a rematch clause in his contract with Parker but the 40-yearold Chinese fighter’s decision to instead fight Wilder raises questions about the Samoan-Kiwi’s next move.
David Higgins, Parker’s long-time manager, is pragmatic.
“Joseph will fight anyone,” Higgins told the Herald. “He’ll gladly fight Anthony Joshua or Dillian Whyte, if he was offered either of those. He’s in a good space.
“Joe’s the WBO mandatory challenger and interim world champion, which technically means he’s next in line for the winner of [Tyson] Fury versus [Oleksandr] Usyk for the world title shot . . . we just have to [wait and see].”
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the showdown between undefeated heavyweight champions Fury (WBC) and Usyk (WBA, IBF, WBO), Parker’s return to the ring is slated for September or October, according to Higgins.
Rematches against Joe Joyce and Whyte loom as lucrative prospects for Parker.
Higgins believes the Wilder-Zhang fight is significant.
“It’s a sea change,” Higgins said. “It’s great that two boxers can come off losing fights and still land a big, interesting match-up that pays well.
“If Wilder is truly shot, Zhang will destroy him. Conversely, if Wilder can still land that massive punch, Zhang is a big sitting duck.”
Higgins cites the importance of remaining flexible, given the rapid pace at which events can unfold in the sport.
With the Saudi promoters known for swift decision-making, Parker’s next opponent could be determined quickly, so he must stay prepared for his next opportunity.
Fury and Usyk square off in Riyadh on May 19 with the goal of becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
Kiwi cruiserweight David Nyika fights on the preliminary card against German Michael Seitz (12-0).